Aspen Crase, Olivia Olechnowicz, Jade Sherrington, Jemyma Manyok, Isabel Smith and Andie Smith will attend the CoE at the Australian Institute of Sport in 2025 after accepting scholarships.
Manyok, Sherrington, Isabel Smith and Olechnowicz were teammates in the recent gold medal campaign for the Sapphires at the FIBA U15 Oceania Cup. Olechnowicz was crowned tournament MVP in the women’s competition in November.
Aspen Crase (SA Metro) and Andie Smith (Tasmania) represented their state at the Foot Locker National Championships earlier in 2024 and both will attend the CoE's National Performance Camp in January.
The class will commence their training program and compete for the CoE NBL1 team throughout 2025.
Centre of Excellence – 2025 Women’s Intake
Aspen Crase (SA Metro, Forestville Eagles)
Aspen Crase, a dynamic 16-year-old guard, has earned her place at the CoE with her tenacity, skill, and relentless work ethic. A standout in South Australia's basketball community, Aspen is known for her ability to control the game, combining sharp decision-making with precision shooting and an aggressive defensive style. Her leadership on the court and dedication to improvement make her an exciting prospect as she joins the CoE women’s program in January 2025.
Olivia Olechnowicz (Queensland South, Logan Basketball Association, John Paul College)
Olivia Olechnowicz has cemented her reputation as one of the most promising scorers in the country with a jaw-dropping 44-point performance in the U16 National Championship finals. Known for her fierce competitiveness and unyielding determination, Olivia pairs a high basketball IQ with an ability to take over games in crucial moments. Her relentless drive and scoring versatility, combined with her ability to excel under pressure, position her as a promising addition to the women’s program.
Jade Sherrington (Queensland South, Gold Coast Basketball Association, Hillcrest College)
Standing at 6 feet tall, Jade Sherrington is a rare talent with the ability to play as a point guard. Her exceptional ball-handling skills, court vision, and scoring ability make her a nightmare matchup for opponents. Jade's versatility extends to her defensive prowess, as she uses her height and agility to guard multiple positions effectively. A cornerstone of Queensland South’s U16 National Championship team, Jade is poised to unlock more of her potential at the CoE, where her skills will be further refined.
Jemyma Manyok (Queensland South, Ipswich)
At 6’5”, Jemyma Manyok is an imposing forward-center who has quickly risen through the ranks of Australian basketball. Her identification through the Basketball Queensland National Performance Program as an athlete that can potentially make an impact within our national program saw her selected to the FIBA U15 Oceania Championships, Jemyma combines strength, athleticism, and finesse in the paint. Her ability to rebound, block shots, and contribute offensively makes her an invaluable asset at both ends of the floor
Isabel Smith (Queensland North, Mackay)
Isabel Smith, a 5’9” shooting guard, is a prolific scorer with the ability to change the outcome of games. Known for her exceptional shooting range and quick release, Isabel thrives in high-pressure situations, consistently delivering clutch performances for her team. Her offensive versatility, paired with her intensity and defensive effort, make her a well-rounded player who can dominate in multiple facets of the game.
Andie Smith (Tasmania, Hobart)
Andie Smith, a 6’4” forward, is one of Tasmania’s brightest basketball talents. Combining elite athleticism with a strong work ethic, Andie has developed into a versatile player capable of impacting the game on both ends of the court. Her agility, length, and ability to finish around the rim make her a dynamic offensive threat, while her defensive instincts and rebounding prowess solidify her as a well-rounded forward.
These athletes will benefit from the CoE’s unparalleled training and development resources, further cementing its reputation as a world leader in nurturing basketball talent.
ABOUT | Basketball Australia – Centre of Excellence
The Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence (CoE), which evolved from the National Intensive Training Centre Program and AIS Basketball Program established in 1981, has a rich legacy of producing numerous NBA and WNBA players while fostering Australia’s global basketball success. Combining cutting-edge sports science, personalised training, and academic support, the program offers a holistic environment for athlete development. Scholarship holders also gain exposure to elite competition alongside players from the NBA Global Academy.
