How hard work transformed Mole from a junior ‘benchie’ to the WNBL

Taylor Mole was a ‘benchie’ through much of her junior representative career with Tasmania. But hard work has paid off after landing her first pro deal with WNBL side Adelaide Lightning.

Hobart product Taylor Mole has signed her first professional contract with WNBL side Adelaide Lightning. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Nothing has been handed on a platter to Hobart basketball talent Taylor Mole.

It’s why her progression through the ranks to land her first professional contract with WNBL club Adelaide Lightning is so satisfying for the 24-year-old.

The versatile forward received a phone call from Lightning coach and former Opals star Nat Hurst to offer her a spot after starring for Cairns Dolphins in the NBL1 North competition.

She spent five years in the US college system, two with Colorado State and three with Santa Barbara, and was named in the All-Conference team in her first season at the latter.

Mole recently helped Tasmanian under-14 players at practice before they head to the national championships in Victoria next month.

It rammed home how hard she’s had to work to get to the country’s elite league after she was a modest bench player for Tasmania a decade ago.

Taylor Mole shoots the ball when at Colorado State University. (Photo by Bryan Lynn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

“I was picturing where I was back in those days it’s kind of surreal,” she said.

“I was once exactly in their position, and now I’ve reached one of my big goals playing (professional) basketball, which is cool.

”I didn’t even start on that (under-14 Tasmania) team. I was 12 at that time, so the world was caving in and it’s the worst thing that ever happened. Then I got picked as a bottom age for the under 16 state team and played 30-40 minutes for the whole eight-game tournament.

“But then a switch flipped in top age 16s and bottom age 18s. I started to grow and got recognised, played for Australia (Oceania under-17 championships, went to the AIS (Australian Institute of Sport) and it happened from there.

“I still didn’t get picked in a couple of Australian teams I tried out for, but it all happens for a reason. The things I missed out on, I probably needed those in the end to get to where I am.”

“Without BTAS and the SDP (State Development Pathway) I don’t even know what player I would have been. Having those camps and coaches set me up for where I am today, playing professional basketball in a couple of months, which is awesome.”

Hobart basketballer Taylor Mole before she transferred to UC Santa Barbara in 2020. Picture: Zak Simmonds

A huge 36-point display for Cairns against Rockhampton was enough to convince Hurst that Mole could play at the next level.

Mole was originally a point guard as a youngster before a growth spurt sent her to inside the paint.

Her versatility, ability to shoot threes and ball handling from her guard days appealed to the Lightning.

“I started as a point guard and grew 18-20cm in a year and had back problems, but I still have my ball handling skills so I can use that as a strength,” Mole said.

“I played post all throughout my Tassie years as I was taller than everyone, but I can take people off the dribble and play like a guard.

“Nat (Hurst) mentioned she liked my skill set, which can make a difference coming off the bench.

Hobart product Taylor Mole has signed with Adelaide Lightning in the WNBL. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“I’ve been honing my threes and shooting them a lot in NBL1, and at a good clip.

Nat said I’d probably play more ‘four’ (power forward). Try and take players off the dribble, shoot threes and stretch the floor.”

Mole is excited to scrimmage against the Lightning’s WNBA imports Brianna Turner and Jocelyn Willoughby, as well as Opals star Steph Talbot when she returns from an ACL injury later in the season.

“I just hope to prove myself, help Adelaide win games and improve my skills,” she said.

“I know training against those WNBA players and Steph Talbot, my game is going to grow astronomically every day.”