Ex-Mandurah Magic and Perth Lynx star Megan Thompson has returned to the Peel region with the hopes of developing the area's next wave of budding basketball stars.
The former Women's National Basketball League player and coach is bringing elite mentoring to the Mandurah Basketball Association (MBA), having just taken the reins as the new development and pathways officer.
It's a gig that will see Thompson helping to build the success of both players and coaches alike, as she looks to foster a bright future for basketball in Mandurah.
"Obviously I'm very passionate about the sport, but even more so about teaching and coaching," she said.
"I love it, so it's really exciting for me to be back on deck here in Mandurah and to be building up the next crop of players and people coming through the organisation.
"The pathways here are already quite successful so for me it's just a matter of adding a few things that I think can help give them a boost."
Thompson is no stranger to the Mandurah courts, having played all of her Women's State Basketball League days with the Magic where she helped the club reach multiple grand final appearances.
I made some really good mates in my time here as a player so to be back now bringing the next batch of players through in this role, it's really nice to be able to do that.
- Megan Thompson on returning to Mandurah.
Her Women's National Basketball League career began in Brisbane, before she was recruited to the Perth Lynx and eventually went on to hold coaching roles at the South East Queensland Stars.
Having played at several levels from grassroots to international basketball, Thompson brings a wealth of experience back to Mandurah.
"It's been really exciting for me seeing some familiar faces and being back here," she said.
"I made some really good mates in my time here as a player so to be back now bringing the next batch of players through in this role, it's really nice to be able to do that."
Building up that next batch of players will kick off in just a few weeks, with the Mandurah Basketball Association holding camps for junior players.
Both their Hoopsters and Bootcamp programs will be running from October 7-9, with expert coaches attending both to help young guns hone their skills.
The Hoopsters camp aims to develop children aged 5-10, while the Bootcamp promotes an active mindset for those aged 11-16.
Following the camps, the Mandurah Basketball Association will be launching several programs for youngsters to improve their skills with coach Thompson.
For more information call the MBA on 9550 3849.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
