A Geelong United Supercats co-captain opens up on her dedication to the team which has seen her play seven complete games in NBL1 South this season.
A transgender athlete hoping to play semi-professional basketball in Victoria has had her application rejected by Basketball Australia.
The panel found Lexi Rodgers ineligible to play for the Kilsyth Cobras in the NBL1 South league.
The Geelong United Supercats guard has played every second of game time in seven out of the 11 matches so far this season, with 33 minutes being the least amount time clocked up in any one fixture.
Averaging 15 points, seven rebounds and four assists per game, Elsworthy is a key part of the team’s current 7-4 record in NBL1 South.
“It’s definitely tiring, but I love playing basketball and I want to do my part for the team, so if that’s across 40 minutes, I’ve conditioned myself enough that I can do it,” Elsworthy said.
Named as co-captain of the team this year alongside Jessica Scannell, Elsworthy is relishing her leadership role but maintains that it is a team effort.
“It’s a huge honour to be co-captain, especially alongside Jess Scannell, she’s a great friend and she’s a real veteran of the game,” she said.
“Given that we don’t really have a super deep roster, we’ve all gotten really close. Everyone has their leadership role.”
Sarah Elsworthy has been a key part of Geelong United Supercats’ season n 2023. Picture: Tans Photography.
Meanwhile, Elsworthy has also been named as the player ambassador for this week’s Read The Play round, with Geelong United Basketball becoming the first basketball program to partner with the Geelong-based organisation that delivers programs to empower young people to take control of their mental health and wellbeing.
“Sport brings people together, and it’s amazing to use our platform to bring awareness and acknowledge that mental health issues are so prominent, especially in the adolescent age group,” she said.
“I know even for myself, just balancing basketball, life, uni, and the high expectations I put on myself, it’s important to have time for self-care and connect with those close to me to really get me through.”
The Read The Play Round this Saturday night at the Geelong Arena will see the Geelong United Supercats hosting the Knox Raiders, before travelling to Keilor on Sunday to take on the Thunder.
Elsworthy and the Supercats women will be looking to get back on the winner’s list after suffering a loss to the undefeated Bendigo Braves last weekend.
“Sometimes you do learn more from your losses than you do from your wins,” she said. “Bendigo are probably the best side in the competition, it was a bit of a reality check, but from here we know what we need to do.”
The Geelong United Supercats play Knox Raiders at Geelong Arena on June 4, tip off from 5pm, then the Keilor Thunder on June 5 at Keilor Basketball Stadium from 1pm. Tickets: geelongunitedbasketball.com.au, livestream: at nbl1.com.au