The Gangurrus women have officially hit the floor at camp in Melbourne, with eight athletes coming together as the race for selection continues ahead of the FIBA 3x3 World Cup and Commonwealth Games.
For experienced 3x3 campaigner Marena Whittle, the opening session brought plenty of intensity, but also the excitement that comes whenever the group reunites.
“Every time we get together, which doesn’t happen super often, there’s a lot of learning, a lot of competition and a lot of trial and error,” Whittle said.
“But we’ve got a great group who all want to get better, want to learn and want to compete. It was really fun.”
While spots on two major international teams remain up for grabs, Whittle said the environment within the women’s program continues to stand out for the way athletes support one another, even while competing directly for selection.
“I think in other teams, where there’s bigger squads, it can maybe feel a little more competitive,” she said.
“But here, it’s such a good environment, you just leave everything out on the court.
“At the end of the day, if you’ve done everything you can and it doesn’t work out, at least you can walk away satisfied.”
Whittle said the culture built within the program has created a group genuinely invested in each other’s success, regardless of selection outcomes.
“I’ve missed out on making teams before and still celebrated for everyone else,” she said.
“It’s just such a good group of women. Damon does a really great job of bringing good humans together.
“Whoever makes it is going to be the best team possible.”
