Kara Tessari’s basketball career has taken a welcome and unexpected turn.
Last week, the Monegeetta teen was promoted to Bendigo Spirit’s roster for the rest of the Women’s National Basketball League season.
Speaking afterwards, the 17-year-old was still shocked to be part of the country’s best competition.
“I’ve been a development player since the start of the season for Bendigo. Because of the distance, they decided to just have the squad of 12 players train after the Christmas break.
“We were told, if injuries came up, we might need you to help the team.”
With fellow guard Jane Chalmers requiring surgery for a thumb injury, Tessari continued to train with the side.
Then when Chalmers was ruled out for the rest of the season, Tessari was promoted to fill the 12th spot on the list.
“It’s unfortunate for Jane, but beneficial for me,” Tessari said.
“I’m not expecting court time … the opportunity to suit up, and play and train with one of the best teams in the country is enough.
“I’ll try to keep moving forward with my basketball.
“Being part of the Spirit is the best thing for my development at this point of time.”
Tessari said Chalmers, who has been at the Spirit since joining the competition, has been one of her biggest supporters.
“She helped me feel like I belonged,” Tessari said.
“After she had surgery, she came up and told me to stay ready. She didn’t have to do that.”
For Tessari, the realisation that she could be taking to the court with the best players in the country is something that is still settling in.
“I wasn’t even expecting to be a development player … even that opportunity is amazing.
“You wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
For the 17-year-old, who started playing basketball when she was four at Mill Park, she said this shows all the hard work she has put in has paid off.
She said her parents, Michael and Janene, deserved a lot of the credit for driving her across the state to play and train.
“It’s surreal to see the hard work has paid off.
“I’m looking forward to see where it’ll take me.”
Having finished year 12 last year, Tessari has decided to shy away from the American College route taken by so many young players these days.
Instead she’ll play again with the Bulleen Boomers in the Big V competition.
Tessari will juggle her Spirit commitments with playing in the Vic Metro under-20 team at the National Championships, which will be held in Bendigo in February.
Last year, Tessari captained the Vic Metro under-18 team at the National Championships and previously has been part of the under-16 state team as well.
“I’m looking forward to playing with these girls. I’ve trained with a lot of them, but not necessarily played with them.”
