Tara Murray
Ida Andersson could soon be going from the courts of Boardman Stadium in Sunbury to the courts of the Women’s National Basketball League.
Andersson, who made her long awaited debut for the Jets this season, has been named a training partner for the Bendigo Spirit for the upcoming season.
It’s the second time she’s been a training partner for a WNBL team, having been one for the Southside Flyers previously.
Andersson said it was exciting to have the opportunity to train with the Spirit day in, day out.
“I’m really excited for what we have,” she said.
“The puzzle pieces [coach] Kennedy [Kerema] is putting together excited what is to come back for this group.
“I get to train with many Opals players and some of the best players in Australia, I can’t ask for any more.
“I’m taking it day by day and if there’s an opportunity to come [to play WNBL], it’s meant to be.”
Andersson’s connection to the Spirit comes through the connection with Kereama, who is Sunbury’s coaching director.
Andersson said she had been knocking on his door during the season to give her an opportunity at the higher level.
There has been a small taste of playing for the Spirit in the pre-season for Andersson.
One of those matches was at Sunbury in front of her home crowd.
“That was amazing playing at home at Boardman.” she said. “Everyone was so welcoming to the whole team and we were happy to be able to show Sunbury some WNBL.”
The opportunity to be part of the Spirit squad comes on the back of a strong debut season for Andersson with the Jets.
She averaged more than 16 points a game.
For Andersson, Sunbury had a special place in her heart for a few years having previously signed for the club for the 2020 Big V season which was cancelled due to COVID-19.
“I came out in 2019 and got in contact with John White and he ended up signing me to come to Sunbury,” she said. “I really enjoyed it.
“I kept in contact with John and it was a no-brainer to come back to Australia and I didn’t look at any other Big V clubs.”
Andersson played a key role in the Jets making finals. She said it was a really good experience to help the young talent coming through the club.
“They were a really young team,” she said.
“I was happy to take on whatever role they needed me to. I helped with the teaching and mentoring of the young teams we had. It was a good season.”
