No finals in 2023 but lots to like about the Waatu women's team

Despite not making the finals in 2023 for the second year running, it was a much-improved performance by the Adelaide University (AU) Waatu’s women’s side in the University Basketball League (UBL) competition.

In only their second season in the national competition, Waatu (which means bringing a community together, in partnership with one another, to play as one team) in 2023 finished with a 1-8 record. The Waatu women’s side were competitive and had a couple of narrow losses been wins they could have easily finished higher up on the ladder.

The most exciting moment of 2023 was no doubt in round three when they defeated the Fed Falcons on the road 80-73 to record the first-ever women’s team victory for Waatu as part of the UBL.

They were also ever so close to recording their second win of the season in round six but fell agonisingly close 61-59 against Curtin Uni Carnabys.

Waatu women’s co-captain and Civil Engineering student Josie Harris said the second season of the team playing in the UBL was more enjoyable.

“Yeah, I mean, obviously, last year, going into the first year of the competition we didn’t really know what to expect and it was tough and at times disheartening.

“This year though we had some close games and even in our last game against RMIT we were leading in the first half then got over-run.

“We had a much better year, and it was enjoyable to see everyone get around each other was probably more.

“We were more competitive with other teams which made it more enjoyable.

“So just being able to keep our heads up the whole game and stay positive throughout.

“That comes from also a lot of team bonding that happens over the two years together as well.”



Harris said adding some quality players to the squad this year made a big difference.

“Yeah, obviously, they've got a lot of experience, in our first game we didn’t really know how to play with each other, but I think as the season progressed, you could say that we all got to know each other's playing styles a lot better.“It certainly helped having them this year and there was a lot more cohesion out on court, for sure.”

Harris said she had some advice for those that were considering joining the Waatu women’s group in 2024.

“Obviously having a huge enjoyment for the sport of basketball makes a difference and also the bond that you have with the players and the rest of the team is huge,” she said.

“You wake up in the morning and have the early airport runs, getting to have dinner with each other you really get to learn a lot about each other through the time spent together, particularly on interstate trips.

“You also develop great leadership skills and great organisational skills on and off the court.”

Harris said there was support for those that were concerned about balancing their studies with playing in the UBL.

“They are really supportive of us as elite athletes, so if you are getting behind and need an extension or something like that, they are very lenient which is really good,” Harris explained.

“There are even times on the plane or in hotels and stuff where you can do a little bit of study.

“Everyone is very supportive of that and if you need to go off for a few hours and just smash it out assignments like that, there is the option to do that too.”



Last year’s MVP for the competition and Waatu co-captain Evie Lovell was again prominent for her side in season two with the University of Adelaide PHD student playing every game this year and averaging nine points per game from her nine games.

Lovell had a season high of 17 points in their round three victory on the road against the Fed Falcons.

New addition to the squad in 2023, Scarlett Miles who is part of the Forestville Eagles Basketball Club who play in the NBL1 Central competition, played in the centre/forward role, and made a strong contribution to the Waatu women’s team in her first season.

Miles who is studying Law and PPE, averaged 12 points per game from her seven games played as well as 10 rebounds per game.

In Waatu’s round three loss to the Australian Catholic University, Miles had 12 points and a whopping 19 boards and had a season high of 15 points in their final game of the year against RMIT to go with 9 rebounds.

Occupational Therapy student and fellow newcomer to Waatu women’s side Ashleigh Haigh was another to impress this season and arguably her best game of the year was in round six in Waatu’s two-point loss against Curtin Uni Carnabys.

Haigh had a double-double and finished with 15 points and 13 rebounds.

UBL Program Director Raheim Brown said he was full of praise for the way the women's team played and fought all season long. “The positive attitude and dedication all the girls showed from trials to the end of the season, made all the difference in getting better and better each time they stepped out on the floor,” Brown said.

“We want to really give the women's team great credit and thank them for their dedication to the team as a whole and for putting in the work at our training sessions every Sunday, which for most is their day off. 

“A big thank you to GameReady Performance who was our official practice facility sponsor, we appreciate their support during the season. We secured our first win in UBL history, and we will continue to build on the Waatu culture.

”This group bought to life what we wanted to create as a team and as a culture, and we will continue to build up from here.”