
#WomenWillWin Features – Bec Schatz
Basketball Queensland’s #WomenWillWin campaign is seeking to change the statistics around female participation in basketball and to empower all those who desire to play, because, remember, it’s “everyone’s game”.
Basketball Queensland caught up with 16 professional female players, both past and present, to find out what inspires and motivates them. The players shared their advice for female players wanting to get serious about their basketball careers.
Next up on our star-studded roster of WNBL role models is Bec Schatz who is currently an assistant coach for the 2019 U18 Women South State Team for the upcoming Australian Junior Championships.
Bec’s Basketball Playing Career
Bec has had a decorated career and has reached high-performance levels but she truly believes that her personal development has been influenced by the support she gets from her peers.
“Being involved in the Gems, being at the AIS, and playing WNBL puts you in this high-performance environment surrounded by coaches, managers, support staff, friends and teammates who are there to push you in the right direction to develop your character. A lot of my own personal strengths have been developed through these people and that includes teamwork, honesty, perseverance, resilience and social intelligence.”
Giving Back to the Game
Although Bec hasn’t played for a team in many years, she continues to stay on the court to teach and mentor others and that’s where she believes her future is headed.
“I haven’t played basketball since 2012, but I see myself giving back to the game through coaching. I’m in my second year of being involved with Basketball Queensland and School Sport and I’d like to continue to see where it takes me,” she said.
To add, Bec credits her life and sporting success to her time at the Australian Institute of Sport. Her experience there set her up to develop herself and taught her to do what she loves.
“Being in an environment that demanded high expectations and being surrounded by people that were there to help you succeed, brewed a recipe for success. This recipe was a guide to developing who I am and has been a platform for me to succeed post-sporting life. I have a nutrition and dietetics degree that was driven by my time at the AIS. I am now a teacher and love all that is involved,” she said.
Impact of Basketball to Bec’s Life
“Basketball has taken me all over the world and established amazing friendships. It has always provided a second family. It has educated me on a healthy and active lifestyle and has been a platform in setting up life, post-basketball,” Bec said when asked about how basketball has impacted her life.
From her time at the AIS to playing in the WNBL, Bec’s success story has been written by her hard work and continuous support from her peers, always pushing her to do the best that she can.
The #WomenWillWin campaign is all about empowerment. If there is a woman in your life who you think should feature in this campaign, please contact us. Our goal is to empower all women who desire to play because it’s “everyone’s game”.
Bec’s Basketball Career History
- 2005 – 2008: AIS Scholarship
- 2005: U19 Gems FIBA World Cup
- 2007: U19 Gems FIBA World Cup
- 2009 – 2010: WNBL – Townsville Fire
- 2009 – 2012: SEABL – Spartans
Bec’s fail-safe way to a good mood
- Exercise and the beach
Bec’s go-to practice song
- “Never had one! Music doesn’t do it for me at practice.”