Strautmane destined for comeback on court in 2024

Returning to the NBL1 South competition after her last appearance in 2022, Digna Strautmane has made her presence felt in the first two games of the 2024 season.

Recovering from an ACL injury in 2023, Strautmane helped the Ringwood Hawks to two victories in Round 1, over the Kilsyth Cobras and Nunawading Spectres.

Following the win over the Nunawading Spectres, Strautmane spoke about how the team felt getting the victory, leading from start to finish.

“It felt amazing, we’re getting better every game. We haven’t been together for a long time, as a team. I think every game we’re going to be better. Tonight, we showed we can fight very well. Everybody played their role, came and wanted to win - that’s what we showed on the court.”

Leading by 5 points at quarter time on last Friday night, 20-15, the Hawks stepped up in the second quarter, winning the quarter, 34-6. Strautmane spoke about the impact on the defensive end and the impact the Hawks emphasied during the quarter time break.

“I think it has always been our focus, even when I was here last time in the NBL1 South,” Strautmane shared with Basketball Victoria media.

“Ringwood was one of the best defensive teams in the league. We’re definitely winning that back and being the same defensive team and then hopefully the offence comes from that aswell.”

“We fight for every single ball and every single position; it’s just how basketball is supposed to be played.”

With five players finishing the game against the Spectres in double figures, sharing the ball around well and getting solid contributions from the starting five and off the bench, Strautmane shared how important it was to have the even contribution.

“I think it’s really good that we have so many different scorers on the team, it’s not going to be easy for any team to defend us because we can turn to any player and they can bring something different to the table on offence, not only on defence.

“We did the same thing last game and this game, everybody’s getting their confidence and that’s what we need.”

Finishing the game with 9 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal, Strautmane spoke about how she has felt being back on the court after two games.

“It feels great. Ringwood is my second home away from home, I feel really good here. I love the fans, I love the people here and I love that people come to watch us play. Everyone is so nice and welcoming.

“Ringwood is a great place to be, being on the court and people around you are supporting you. That’s one of the biggest reasons why I came back. I did feel like home here and I want to come back. I wanted to come back to that feeling.”

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Strautmane recently signed to the Hawks for the 2024 season, thus sharing how she motivated herself during her rehabilitation after her ACL injury to help her get back to where she is now.

“For everyone who is going through any type of injury, there’s always going to be something mentally that you have to overcome that you have never done before, especially for such a long time.

“It took me 11 months to be back on the court. I’m still probably not 100 per cent there, how I was before my injury.

“To get that support from everyone from what I was going through, I hope that I could inspire some people that are going through it and let them know that it’s possible to come back and be back on the court. It’s important that people are supporting each other, especially if you have done anything like an ACL before and give some advice.

“I got so much advice from people that went through this injury before, and it helped me a lot. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy, I didn’t think it would be that hard, but I’m here and I’m very grateful being back on the court.

“I hope I get better every season, every game and I’m happy to be here, I get to play in a team that I like and get the confidence that I gained before I was last here. I really like being back on court.”

Lastly, Strautmane shares her goals that she wants to achieve after coming back from injury.

“The most important thing is when I’m in a team, I just want to make the team better and hopefully I can help the team win a championship again.

“I’m not putting any expectations lower than that, I came here for a reason.”

“We didn’t finish quite the job that we wanted to finish last time and there’s still some places where we can grow.

“For me personally, I want to be the best teammate that I can be for my teammates and everything else will come with it.”

Strautmane won the Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2022, helping lead the team to the championship. The return of Strautmane is already prominent in the team, sitting at 8.75PPG, 6.50RPG 4.25APG and 1.50BPG!

The 2024 Rookie Reporter Program is working with Basketball Vicotria's Marketing, Media & Digital team throughout the NBL1 South 2024 season. The work produced features across the many Basketball Victoria channels including basketballvictoria.com.au and Basketball Victoria and NBL1 South's social media channels. All pieces are written voluntary.