Tributes flow for Queensland basketball icon Linda Ambrose

The Queensland basketball community is in mourning following the death of icon Linda Ambrose who has been remembered for her passion for helping others and bringing a smile to the faces of many.

Gold Coast basketball icon Linda Ambrose. Picture: North Gold Coast Seahawks

The Queensland basketball community is in mourning following the death of icon Linda Ambrose.

Ambrose was remembered for her unwavering passion for the sport and her incredible care for everyone she worked with in the Sunshine State.

North Gold Coast Seahawks president Jordan Mullan revealed the longlasting legacy Ambrose has left on the game.

“There’s a Kobe Bryant quote about leaving the game better than you found it and she was acting with that mantra,” Mullan said.

“She was always understanding the importance of making sure whoever entered her remit whether it was Logan Thunder, Gold Coast or North Gold Coast had a good experience and a smile on their face and love for the game.

“She would always give up herself to make sure her staff and families were taken care of at any level.

“It didn’t matter if it was under-14s Division 3 rep team, club team, state team or WNBL - she always put others above herself.”

Along with being heavily involved in Queensland state basketball, Mullan also worked alongside Ambrose at WNBL level, and credited her for bringing the WNBL to South East Queensland when the Thunder entered the competition in 2008.

“She was the catalyst for creating an environment at Logan Thunder when they were first put out at Browns Plains and had to start a WNBL team from scratch,” Mullan said.

“She birthed the idea of making the whole thing happen and ensured it could happen.

“Linda was the glue and the engine room that made the whole thing happen.”

Mullan said Ambrose was loved by “hundreds, if not thousands” of people in the Queensland basketball scene and would leave an eternal legacy on the sport.

“Legends are written in the legacies that we leave because of the lasting impressing that lives on forever,” Mullan said.

“And Linda’s lasting impression was by far of a legacy and a legend that will affect families players, coaches, supporters and volunteers for many years to come.”

Gold Coast Basketball and Logan Basketball also released statements sharing the impact Ambrose had on their associations.

“Linda was more than just a team manager for the Lady Rollers — she was the heart and soul of our teams,” Gold Coast Basketball posted to social media.

2020 QLD U20 Men’s team. Back L to R: Peter Crawford (head coach), Jason Spurgin, Blake Jones, Kian Dennis, Donavon Crowe, Logan Kyle, Lucas Schmidt, and Rebecca Lewis (assistant coach). Front L to R: Linda Ambrose (team manager), Tamuri Wigness, Kian Milburn, Boston Mazlin, Didan Toto and Jordan Mullen (assistant coach). Picture: Contributed.

“Her dedication, organisation, and unwavering support were felt by everyone who had the privilege of working alongside her.

“For many years, she played a vital role in keeping the NBL1 teams running smoothly, ensuring that players and staff could focus on the game they loved.”

Logan Basketball posted: “Linda was an integral member of Logan Basketball, especially in our early days, where she embraced and promoted the strong family atmosphere within our association.

“Her tireless work and exceptional organisational skills were evident as she championed all aspects of basketball at Logan.

“Linda’s dedication was reflected in the many roles she took on, including coaching and managing junior teams, a role she particularly cherished doing alongside her beautiful daughters, Katie and Sarah.

“She also managed the Senior QSL teams and played in women’s social competitions and the East Coast Challenge.”