The Adelaide Lightning is proud to announce the official relaunch of the Adelaide Lightning Academy, with the ambition of establishing a direct, high-performance pathway for South Australia’s top female basketball talent into the WNBL.
Targeting the state’s elite athletes aged between 17 and 25, the new look Academy will bridge the gap between local competition and professional basketball. Led by Lightning Head Coach Aja Parham-Ammar, the program exposes emerging stars to the exact training standards, strategic concepts and style of play used by the senior WNBL squad.
Incredibly, the most talented of the academy will see immediate results, with up to 5 participants selected to travel and compete with the Adelaide Lightning at the WNBL Preseason Tournament, the Townsville Tip-Off, from September 17 - 20.
"This isn't just a training squad; it’s a genuine pathway. We will be actively evaluating these athletes throughout the six weeks for roles as Development Players, Training Players and future Lightning roster spots. Giving up to five of these athletes the chance to suit up with us at the Townsville Tip-Off shows just how serious we are about developing homegrown talent,” says Ms Parham-Ammar.
The six-week intensive program kicks off on Wednesday, 19 August at Pulteney Grammar School, with each session running from 5 – 7pm. Current and former Lightning players will also participate in select sessions to mentor athletes and ensure seamless integration across the entire program.
Head of Sport at Pulteney Grammar School, Jack Garrad said: “The school is thrilled to be partnering with the Lightning, This is an incredible opportunity for our students to interact with their role models and be inspired by what is possible. It reinforces the message that, with determination, commitment, and self-belief, they are capable of achieving anything they set their minds to.”
“Supporting elite female sport and providing top-tier facilities for South Australia’s rising stars aligns perfectly with our values and our commitment to community sport,” Mr Garrad said.
The Academy will also work in close alignment with Basketball SA’s Female Participation Strategy, reinforcing a joint commitment to retaining girls and women in the sport by providing clear, visible pathways to the highest level.
Media Contact
Adelaide Haynes
media@adelaidelightning.com
0477 601 188
