Ruby Porter graduates from Rachael Sporn Academy to sign with the Adelaide Lightning

ADELAIDE teenager Ruby Porter grew up idolising Rachael Sporn and now she’s following in her footsteps by signing with the Lightning.

Ruby Porter, 16, who has signed with the Adelaide Lightning with Opals legend Rachael Sporn at Titanium Security Arena. Porter is a graduate of the Rachael Sporn Academy. Picture: Tricia Watkinson.

ADELAIDE teenager Ruby Porter grew up idolising Rachael Sporn and now she’s following in her footsteps by signing with the Lightning.

The 16-year-old who plays premier league basketball with Sturt has become the first member of the Rachael Sporn Academy to graduate to Adelaide’s WNBL team.

The Year 11 student at St Mary’s College has agreed to an amateur contract to play for the Lightning under coach Chris Lucas this season.

“Chris asked to meet up with my parents and I was so surprised, mum and I were shocked, we looked at each other and couldn’t believe it,” Porter said.

Ruby Porter has been selected to go to the Youth Olympic Games to compete in 3x3 basketball, a new sport that will be at the next Olympics for the first time. Picture: AAP Roy VanDerVegt

“It was a goal of mine to hopefully train with the Lightning and continue to participate in the academy so it’s amazing that I’m part of the 12 (on the squad).”

Porter represented Australia at the under-17 world championships in Belarus this year and is now preparing for the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires.

As well as school and club basketball commitments she has also attended weekly training sessions with Sporn as part of the academy which helps produce the next generation of talented players.

“I’ve known Rachael since I was young because she played basketball with my mum (Sandy) so we’ve been family friends for a long time,” Porter said.

“I’ve replayed a lot of her games and the way she plays is inspiring.”

Sporn said it was rewarding for the academy to produce a WNBL-ready player in just its third year.

“It really does justify the academy’s existence,” she said.

“I’ve watched Ruby develop over her junior career and due to her skill set, incredible work ethic, high energy and leadership skills she has shown that she is ready to make the big jump from junior basketball to senior basketball at the elite level.”

Sporn is one of the most decorated Opals in history having won two silver medals and one bronze medal from three Olympics in 1996, 2000 and 2004.

The 50-year-old played with the Lightning from 1993 to 2004 and was the WNBL MVP in 1996 and 1997.