Woodend basketballer Erin Condron said it was unreal to find out she’d been given a full scholarship to study and play her beloved game in America.
Last week, the 18-year-old, 6’4 player signed with University of California San Diego after attending a United States tour in July run by Australian basketball recruiting service, ATC Academy.
During the tour through the states, Condron was one of the top post players at two tournaments, catching recruiters’ eyes.
“When I was younger I’d look up to players that are what I am now,” Condron said. “To be that person is just incredible.
“I’ve been sure that I was going to try and play college basketball in the US. I’ve been so sure of that since I first heard that it was an option.”
The trip to America caps off a big year for the teenager.
Condron’s season is coming to an end with the Bendigo Braves in the National Basketball League 1 South competition. She also played for the Braves’ Big V side.
The teen is a development player for the Bendigo Spirit in the upcoming Women’s National Basketball League season as well.
Then, it’s off to the states in the middle of next year where she will join her sister Maddi, who is over there on a basketball scholarship too.
The year 12 student said she was grateful to ATC Academy for exposing her to the opportunity to fulfil her dreams, as well as her parents for driving her hundreds of kilometres throughout her career to train and play.
Her family have been longtime advocates for the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Hub, to give young women and girls the chance to play basketball closer to home, without having to travel out of the region.
“I was fortunate enough to have parents that could take me to places and drive that many hours, but for those families that can’t do that, I think having a stadium close by is going to open doors to so many other girls,” she said.
“It warms my heart.”
Condron said if she could tell her younger self anything, it would be to “relax”.
“Enjoy the experience, learn from it. Take it every single thing that you can and learn from it,” she said.
She wanted to thank all the people who supported her on the journey to the signing, including her parents, who were “the real champs here”, her coaches, her teammates, and the Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges basketball associations.
“Everyone that I’ve met through those programs, my coaches… they have helped me improve my game so much over the years and given me so many opportunities,” Condron said.
“Also, Bendigo, they have been amazing.”
Elsie Lange
