The Goldfields Giants have added Jemma Gatti and Aimee Borchet to their 2022 NBL1 West women's roster.
Gatti, a 175cm guard who moved to the region from Mandurah in early 2020 brought with her an extensive basketball resume for a then-19-year-old, having amassed 65 SBL games across four seasons with the Mandurah Magic as well as representing Western Australia twice at the Australian Junior Championships amongst other things.
She quickly established herself as one of the team’s scoring focal points and despite the COVID-19 lockdown forcing the Giants’ women out of competition in 2020, fans got a good look at what she could do in their exhibition game series with some exciting scoring displays.
Then in 2021 she exploded, leading the league in total points scored and third in averages while helping lead her Giants team into the championship game.
Now heading into the Giants’ women inaugural NBL1 season in 2022, Gatti has a great opportunity to get back into the big league with more experience, a renewed confidence and the chance to be one of the local based stars of the team.
"It's surreal to step into a new club only last year, be welcomed with open arms into the Giants family and now have the opportunity to make history," Gatti said.
"I think I bring to the team and organisation a good energy and dedication that is needed to move onwards and upwards.
"I try my best to lead by example and always encourage teammates to want to be better."
Gatti hasn’t shied away from her leadership role within the group and has been working with the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Basketball Associations development team and playing alongside them in an established player role in the local competition.
"I can't wait to see how much our team will improve by being challenged in this higher league," she said.
"We certainly have the raw talent and with some new recruits I think we are going to shock some other teams with how competitive we will be.
"This is just the beginning."
With the excitement and promotion of the new team starting to ramp up and pre-season due to get underway in January, Gatti was optimistic about the support they’d receive.
"Since the very start, before I joined Giants, the support for the women's team has slowly gotten grander and it's never too late to jump on board," she said.
"To our day one supporters and now our massive sponsors, we appreciate every little effort and encouragement that you have put into our team.
"Everything from here is because of you."
Borchet, a 185cm forward/centre has developed through the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Basketball Association junior ranks, starting her senior basketball career back in 2014 as a 15-year-old and is now into her eighth season domestically.
Having represented the Association in various Basketball WA competitions, Borchet jumped at the chance to join the Giants’ WABL Women’s team with their introduction back in 2018.
A true example of how working hard and developing your game has paid dividends, Borchet became one of the mainstays for the team, playing every game, becoming a regular starter and finally being named captain of the team in 2021 who fell just short in the championship game.
As the team advances into the NBL1 competition next season, she looks to take her development to the next stage, and is relishing the opportunity to put on the Giants blue and gold in 2022.
"I see myself as an all-rounder and teammate," Borchet said.
"I love playing defence, it’s my favourite thing about playing and to bring great defence to the team and good vibes to the organisation.
"I love a good time but also like to get down and work hard.
"I feel proud and honoured to be a part of the inaugural Giants Women’s team.
"It’s been such a long time coming and we have finally done it.
"It also means so much as I have worked so hard from being a part of the first WABL Division 1 side to finally being in the NBL1 West competition."
After a successful 2021 season, Borchet was quick to mention the team camaraderie and external support the group has had which has helped their NBL1 inclusion go from dream to reality.
"I’m looking forward to getting back on court and forming the bond we had last year," she said.
"Being a family, having fun and working hard.
"I want to put out a special thank you to everyone who has made this possible.
"We wouldn’t be in the NBL1 West competition with out them.
"All the hard work that goes on behind the scenes is incredible and I am so excited to take this next step, and take my basketball knowledge even further.
"Never in my dreams did I think I would be playing the sport I love at high level while living in the Goldfields and doing it with the people I love most."
