Jaymie excited for Eagles to lock in finals

Image credit: Mark Filpo (@codexdesignstudio)

Jaymie Symons admits to being a little apprehensive if she'd be viewed different with her dad coaching East Perth Eagles in 2025 but she had nothing to be worried about and is proud of her team qualifying to return to NBL1 West finals.

She was never worried about whether dad Tim could coach at NBL1 level or not and he's proven he certainly can with the Eagles locked into finals with two rounds remaining, but Jaymie just didn’t want to be seen differently by her teammates as a result of him taking over.

She needn’t have worried because it hasn’t changed anything with her dynamic with her teammates.

Symons has continued to give her all throughout the season whether it's cheering on her team from the bench or making the most of her minutes providing 100 per cent energy every second she's out there.

Now that East Perth are guaranteed to play finals in 2025 following last week's big win over the Kalamunda Eastern Suns with a 10-8 record with games to finish against the Perry Lakes Hawks and Joondalup Wolves, Symons is excited after the rollercoaster ride it's been along the way.

"Yes it's definitely an exciting moment knowing we're 100% locked in to the finals and I wouldn't want it any other way with the amazing team of women we have this season!," Symons said.

"Sometimes watching from an 'outside' perspective aka the bench, there has definitely been a couple of hold your breath moments in some games but I think having the wins and the loses we've had has put the fire and determination in our bellies for the rest of the season and finals.

"It's definitely a very positive and fun season though and trainings have always been great!"

Just like Symons wasn’t sure how it would be received when her dad took over coaching the women's team in 2025, she also wasn’t sure if it's something she should be too open to talking about.

But just like it turned out she had nothing to worry about with him being coach, she has nothing to fear in just sharing her honest opinions both on how she thought it would go having him as her NBL1 coach, and how he would go in the role for the first time at this level.

"Well well well I know this question was coming ahaha so I was a little apprehensive at the start as I was worried what others would think of me," Symons said.

"I am a people pleaser so I think I was scared if people wouldn't like me based on his decisions as a coach. But I think with the group of girls we've had this year have been really understanding and haven't treated me differently which is great!

"Definitely was an adjustment at the start but I think it's been great this season. I've been coached by him in WABL levels so I feel he's coaching style wasn't new to me it was more the dynamic with a higher level team.

"Sometimes I think he's a little sassy with me but I get it. He's chill for the most part but we all know Tim has a short fuse!!"

Then in the bigger picture of even taking herself out of the picture and Jaymie can't help but be happy for Tim to be getting this opportunity to coach the club that he loves so dearly at the top level.

"Yes of course! I think he's given a lot of time to East Perth Eagles in a presidential role and sometimes a change of 'scenery' as such can be positive," Symons said.

"I think he brings a (take no shit) type of style and I don't think the women's program had that style of coaching before or since I began playing and I think it's been great!

"I feel like he would definitely get an eagle tattooed on him one day!"

While Symons might not always get the court time she'd love to be getting in NBL1 games, at no point does she ever complain and never is she anything but the ultimate supportive teammate.

Then when she does hit the court, she gives immediate unbridled energy and hustle, and always provides the team with an instant lift which is something she takes great pride in.

"I don't know when or if I'll get an opportunity so I've always given it 110% when I can," she said.

"Even at a younger age I've been the one tasked with the 'harder players' to stop them and I think it's just carried through. I feel we have a strong team offensively and defensively so I just try to add where I can!"

And while one of the big changes at East Perth in 2025 has been Jaymie's dad taking over as coach, she has also enjoyed and embraced her high calibre teammates including Sasha Goodlett, Awatea Leach and Abby Cubillo.

In different ways, all three of them have turned out terrifically supportive teammates and role models for Symons to look up to, and she's also loved having a front row seat to what they've been producing on the court all season long.

"I honestly have so much love for them, they bring so much knowledge, calmness and grit to our team," Symons said.

"Sasha has been really great in helping me throughout trainings and games where I'm in my head or not feeling 100%, she believes in me and it makes such a difference.

"Awa is honestly the type of player I'd love to be she got so so so much grit in her but she's so hardworking, offence and defence and she has the most calming and supportive personality she's a great teammate and friend.

"Abby is the best of the best, she has so much poise as put point guard and an amazing leader for our team. She's a pocket rocket and always knows what to say and do during tough times."

While Symons continues to commit as much time and effort into her basketball with the Eagles as she can, life for the 22-year-old is becoming increasingly hectic and full on all the time too.

"Life's been hectic outside of basketball with uni, just started my postgrad studies so that's been full on in itself," Symons said.

"Picked up a second job teaching reformer Pilates in my spare time which doesn't seem to be much off at the moment.

"Then starting UBL for my uni which kicks off in two weeks so will be a lot of flying all over the place with that! And of course having play time and cuddles with my furry baby Arlo!"