The Wilson Storage Southern Saints are looking to consolidate their hard-working team mentality when they return to the court in 2021. Pushing through remote arrangements and training relentlessly in the off-season has primed the Saints for success on and off the court this season.
The long-awaited season will see a new focus from the Saints, looking to challenge the status quo –harnessing their collective strength, curiosity and a ‘one club’ mentality to ultimately build success.
Retaining key players has been a focal point for the club and utilising the pathway programs from the lower grades of the Saints family. The Saints Championship team will be led by determined captain Lyshae Barry and supported by the encouraging Kellie Davidson and Sinead Lumsden, building a strong leadership base to help the team achieve their ambitious goals in 2021. Caitlin Cooke and Alana McGurgan will be moving up from the 19/U team and will provide the Saints with exciting young talent to further strengthen the team line-up.
Kate Gray will continue to lead the Saints as Head Coach, after moving into the role in 2020. Club legend Meagan Dell will take on the role of Assistant Coach, bringing her own Saints experience to the coaching team, bolstering the already accomplished panel.
The Division One team is looking to replicate the Championship side when they return to their season, retaining key players from last year. Matisse Stynes has taken the step up from 19/U team who will help bring the team fresh talent in 2021. Sarah Matthews will take on the role of captain and will be supported by Annabelle Gorman and Sasha Witts. This dynamic trio will bring their unique skills to the team and help continue the Saints formula through all levels.
Outstanding Saints Club Person of 2019, Matthew Cooke will coach the Division One team and is looking to continue his triumph after taking the Saints 19/U team to the finals. Jackie Carroll will take on the role of Assistant Coach, again utilising her past game experience to help guide the Division One team to early success.
The 19/U team will take advantage of the established Saints who have come through the pathway program this season. Lily Graham, Millie Hogg and Mia van Wyk are just some of the pathway players who will take the leap to the 19/U team in 2021. With many of the senior players moving up to different levels in the Saints, the 19/U team is experiencing a change of the guard. Laura Cole, Dom Taylor and Tadi Kahonde will form the on-field leadership team.
Amanda Holt and Travis Pretty will co-coach the 19/U team, after spending 2020 developing a strong approach to the inevitable upcoming season. Carla DeLosa will assist this energetic duo, drawing on experience from time spent with the development team the Southern Halos. The 19/U team is eager to take advantage of their young but resilient team dynamic.
While 2020 provided many with a broken and suspended season, the Saints look to have taken advantage of a unique position to consolidate their already strong playing group. Building upon a wealth of previous experience, the injection of new players and the elevation of existing players – the Southern Saints are shaping up to be an exciting challenger at all levels.
