Sydney Uni Flames’ Alana Goodchild making music and a mark off court
She’s been identified as a rising star of basketball so why does no one recognise this gifted young player?
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She’s a fan favourite but few would recognise basketballer Alana Goodchild if she took the court.
The young Sydney Uni Flames development player is at every game but it’s her dance moves rather than her fancy footwork on the court people recognise
While she trains alongside the Flames top WNBL players, on game day the Hornsby Spiders under 18s player suits up as the energetic Flames mascot Flickr.
“It is so much fun. I’m really social and I love entertaining them,” said Goodchild, also a talented musician who plays the tuba.
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“It’s a lot of fun and I have such a good time dancing with people and making them smile.”
Goodchild was earmarked by the WNBL club at the start of the season as a talent of the future and included in their development program.
“I’ve been training with them three times a week two hours a time and I’ll do more in the holidays,” said Goodchild, who has also represented Australia at under 17 level.
“I am just learning so much.”
Goodchild hails from a musical, rather than sporty family, with her father principal trumpet at the Sydney Symphony and her grand father the principal tuba player with the SSO..
Her mother used to be associate principal Viola with the SSO.
“Music is an outlet from basketball,” said the Dulwich Hill player, 17.
“It makes me balance things better having them both in my life. I can’t choose between them.’’
Sydney Flames coach Katrina Hibbert said Goodchild, a talented junior player also recognised with selection in the under 16 Australian junior team.
“She brings a positive, coachable attitude with a great work ethic to our group and has grown in confidence over the course of her time with us which has been great to see. I look forwarded to watching her continue to develop and grow with us over the season.’’
The Sydney Uni Flames are offering full access to their upcoming four home games at a discounted price.
You can see the Flames in action at home on January 12 (1pm v Townsville Fire) and January 18 (5pm v Melbourne Boomers)
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