The NBL Weekend Takeover for 15/16 December will see Worcester Wolves take the reins of the NBL Instagram story.
We caught up with the Wolves' Grace Brownell of their takeover weekend, in our latest Player Spotlight feature.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
Name: Grace Brownell
Team: Worcester Wolves - WNBL Division Two (North)
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I am 20 years old and in my second year of university studying Physical Education and Sports Studies. I play both netball and basketball and my home town is Sheffield.
What brought you to the NBL in the first place?
I've been playing in the NBL since Under 14s. All three of my brothers played in the NBL too, which I guess got me interested and so I joined in the girls team at Sheffield Hatters when I was old enough.
What was your first impression of the NBL? How has that changed?
If I am honest, I didn't pay much attention to the NBL when I was younger, I just used to turn up and play. But I guess if I look back at it now, the coverage on girls teams and the women's divisions has improved a lot. There's much more attention to their progress and players are acknowledged for their performances the same amount as the men are.
What was your first "bright spot" with your team?
My first bright spot with my team last year was beating Derbyshire Gems at home. We had been unfortunate to lose to them away, but beating them at home was such a good feeling and showed that our hard work as a team had really paid off. The atmosphere was great and the crowd were really supportive.
What was your biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge was moving to university and starting over with a whole new team. Turning up to preseason and realising everyone had come from different teams and had a different style of play was hard. Also, the dreaded bonding period was awkward! However, we were all in the same boat and I think we clicked quite quickly as a group and our coach made sure we were comfortable within the new environment.
What changes have you noticed in yourself since joining the NBL?
Being a part of the NBL has helped me become more confident and outgoing. I love being a part of a close-knit team and it has definitely taught me how to win and lose with dignity... most of the time!
What are you working on right now, what are your current goals?
As an individual I am working on being able to make the right decisions on court, all of the time. When to drive, when to shoot, when to pass and create a better opportunity. As a team, I am hoping we can shake off our bad luck and start to win games, that is what we train hard for. I aim to make the playoffs with my team and hopefully get promoted!
What is your favourite NBL memory?
My favourite NBL memory was playing up for the Hatters' Under 14s in my first ever Final Fours and finishing second. It was my first tournament playing basketball and my first real memory of the game.
What advice would you give someone who is just getting started in basketball?
I would tell them to take part because they enjoy it. I think enjoyment is the most important factor, because if you're having fun then everything will fit into place after that! Don't be worried about making mistakes, experiment with things as that's the only way you'll find out what you're good at and what you need to work on.
What do you like to do outside of basketball?
I play netball for the university 1st team, so a lot of my time is taken up with training or games. I enjoy chilling or going out with my friends, but I am also often having to catch up on university work!
Finally, who is your favourite British basketball player and why?
Both of my brothers, George Brownell and Eddy Brownell, competed in the BBL so I guess I have to pick both of them as my favourite British basketball players! When playing with or against them growing up they showed no mercy, so I suppose I have to thank them for playing how I do now.
You can follow Grace's progress this weekend when Worcester Wolves takeover the NBL Instagram story!
