Eagle Dannii Devenny on heading to college and the Grand Final
Dannii Devenny has two things on her mind - Australian Central East Perth Eagles' history-making appearance in the WSBL Grand Final and her upcoming departure to the USA.
The guard/forward will take up an athletic scholarship at Montana Tech College in Butte, Montana, where she will go straight into another 7 month season with the NAIA division 1 college, but not before the Eagles face Willetton in Friday's Grand Final, their first appearance in the title decider.
Devenny has spent 6 years in the WSBL, a season in the US and 5 years representing WA at state level where she was the captain of the bronze winning U20 team in 2008. Her decision to return to her junior club was an important one for the 20-year-old, and although there was a lot to consider with work and travel, the idea of growing with the club that she played with since she was nine was enough for the Port Kennedy resident to commit to this and future seasons with East Perth.
“I knew the team was going to be competitive once we got it all together and worked out our roles, our game personalities just work, and we have bonded well on and off the court” Devenny said.
“When I took up the offer for college basketball months ago, I made it clear to the coaches over there that I would not be available until after the grand final.
“I wanted to make sure that if we did make it I would be there to do everything I could to help my team get over the line.”
Devenny has averaged 8.6ppg and 5.5 boards, and prides herself on her work ethic on court.
“I try to do the little, simple things well, setting good screens for my team mates, boxing out, crashing boards and hustling hard is how I like to play," she said.
“My whole reason for taking the opportunity at college is to improve my offensive game as a wing player, and all the coaches are on board with helping me get there and develop that so I am keen to see what the future holds and what I can bring back to East Perth and the girls.”
East Perth Head Coach Anthony Fletcher said he was thrilled with Devenny's performances during the WSBL season.
"Having Dannii come back to her junior club was a Coup for our team. Her experience and what she does without the ball is outstanding, we wish her all the best in the states and look forward to having her back with us next year," Fletcher said. Devenny departs Perth just 15 hours after the women’s Grand Final and really hopes her can win its first title.
“I have dreamt of playing in another grand final since my old team Stirling made it back in 2007, when I was just 16 years old.”
“I would be one happy girl sitting on that plane after a night of celebrations, and I am guessing I will sleep very well indeed.”
Article by East Perth Media
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