THE WNBL season is getting closer each day, and the preparations of each team are starting to ramp up as the pre-season reaches the pointy end. In our player spotlight series, we take a look at the starting lineup of each team and what each player will bring to the table. With plenty of exciting player movements around the league, there are set to be some enthralling dynamics across the league. The first team on the agenda is the Southside Flyers, who will be looking to back up their impressive 2020 campaign. The Flyers will enter this season with the title of ‘reigning champions’, but with a few new faces on the roster, they will be just as dangerous in their quest to claim back-to-back titles.

The side will see a familiar face returning to the side, with star shooting guard Rebecca Cole set to gear up for her third season with the Flyers. Cole’s play has become a crucial part of the side’s success, and has earned her acclaim both domestically and internationally.

A Victorian native, Cole started her basketball career with the Australian Institute of Sport at the age of 16, joining the WNBL as one of the league’s youngest players. This was shortly followed by an international debut, where she captained the Australian Gems at the Under 19 World Championship in 2011.

Her talent was soon recognized by around the WNBL, with plenty of contract offers heading her way, given her enormous potential at such a young age. She accepted a contract to join the Bulleen Boomers to take her basketball journey to the next level, where she enjoyed a successful season with the side.

When the side rebranded as the Melbourne Boomers, Cole re-signed with the team, as she began to make her name as one of Australia’s premier basketball talents. She remained with the Boomers for the next five years, providing a crucial contributor in the side’s 2017/18 grand final hunt, where the team feel short against Adelaide.

The following season saw Cole opt for a change of scenery, signing with the Dandenong Rangers as the side’s starting shooting guard. It was this season that resulted in a breakout of sorts, with Cole going from impressive youngster, to league superstar.

Cole was recognized for her outstanding debut season with the Rangers with a place on the WNBL All-Star Five for the first time in her career, as she asserted herself as one of the competition’s best shooting guards. She also won the team MVP award in what was clearly the best year of her career to date.

For the second time in her career, Cole’s team rebranded, with the Rangers becoming the Southside Flyers, and once again, she re-signed with the team. This paid dividends with the side winning the WNBL championship in the 2020 season.

Despite several knee surgeries halting her career at times, Cole has become a staple of hard work and resilience, often pushing through any obstacle in her path on her quest for greatness. She is widely recognized as one of the world’s premier 3×3 players, representing Australia on a number of occasions.

Southside Flyers coach Cheryl Chambers said the Flyers never takes Cole’s contributions for granted.

“She’s obviously a part of the original group,” Chambers explained. “She brings a lot of grunt and she’s really good defensively.”

“Last year she shot the ball fantastically from three, so her game has certainly improved over the last few years.”

“When the game is on the line, she’s happy to step up and do whatever is required, whether it’s offensively or defensively.” Chambers finished.

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