Why basketball needs more female leaders

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate and recognise the women in the NBL1 family who make a significant impact in the league, from players, coaches, club members, volunteers and fans. 

Sam Woosnam is one such example. She has been coaching the men's Dandenong Rangers for a number of seasons and explained how important it is to be a role model to females across the country. 

“Basketball needs more strong female role models and leaders,” she told Basketball Victoria.

“By investing in women to accelerate their progress in basketball, and continuing to advocate for women will pave the way and provide pathways for generations to come.?Supporting women provides us with a voice by fostering empowerment, breaking stereotypes, and promoting equality.” 

She isn’t the only female coach of a men’s team in the country, with the NBL1 North’s Aja Parham-Ammar leading her South West Metro Pirates to the Finals last season. 

Related: Parham-Ammar’s road to head coach

Over Woosnam’s time in the NBL1 South, she has seen a sizable growth in women having leading positions in clubs. 

“I have seen a shift in the visibility of women in sport,” she said.

“We need to continue to showcase and highlight the amazing women that are a part of our game and communities - from players and referees to administrators and volunteers. We need to use the momentum to turn discussions into reality.” 

Read the full article here.