ANDREA WALSH APPOINTED AS ELITE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT COACH

Basketball Victoria Country is pleased to announce that Andrea Walsh has been appointed as the Head Coach of the BVC National Intensive Training Program (NITP). Basketball Australia's internationally acclaimed Program provides Australia's promising young basketballers and basketball coaches with a proven pathway to success in their chosen sport.

“Following an extensive and thorough selection process, Andrea’s knowledge and experience plus her absolute enthusiasm was hard to go past”, Manager, Country Basketball David Huxtable said.

The role became vacant early this year following the resignation of Marty Handson who continued the development of the role over the past 7 years.

“Victorian Country Basketball has been extremely fortunate over the last decade with dedicated individuals such as Peter Lonergan and Marty Handson in this role.” David continued. “Andrea will benefit from established practices put in place by Marty and Peter, but is also keen to make the role her own.”

For the past three years Andrea has worked as the BVC Association Development Officer and is well respected by Associations in Country Victoria. Andrea will commence in this role on the 2 August and her first priority will be to plan the 2011 year program.

Each State operates the highly successful NITP and this is the first time a female coach will head up the National program. In the male dominated elite coaching arena, this appointment is a credit to Andrea’s ability and drive and has been well received by Basketball Australia.

Andrea has progressed through all levels of basketball in the Country area and has an exceptional playing record in basketball in Australia. Andrea herself was part of the NITP as a junior athlete and is looking forward to working with the former BVC NITP Head Coach Mike McHugh, who was recently appointed by Basketball Australia as the National Manager, Player and Coach Development.

Just a few of Andrea’s many highlights include:

• SEABL female games record holder (393)
• 134 WNBL games
• 3 National and 6 SEABL Titles
• Assistant Coach Victorian Country U18 Women, Silver Medal, National Championships
• Assistant Coach Dandenong Ranges, SEABL

For any further information regarding this media release please contact

David Huxtable
Basketball Victoria Country
PO Box 463
Bendigo, 3552
Phone (03) 5440 6305
Email info@bvcc.net.au
Website www.bvcc.net.au