Symons hopes 50 is just the start of Eagles career

The East Perth Eagles has been such a significant part of Jaymie Symons' life that she hopes there's plenty more NBL1 West games to go having now reached 50 games, but she hopes a career off court in basketball is in her future too.

Symons is now 21 years of age but has spent half her life at East Perth and with how much the club means to their family including father Tim being a long-time president, volunteer and current assistant coach, she just doesn’t know any different.

That's why she is proud to have reached 50 games and why she hopes she has plenty more to go while also being proud of the culture building within the women's program and some of the players she can look up to who have overcome so much like Mary Goulding and Sam Lubcke.

In the immediate future, while playoffs are still possible for the 2024 season then that's still worth fighting for and Symons is hoping for a big final three weeks of the regular season from the Eagles starting on Saturday away to the Perry Lakes Hawks.

Proud of 50-game milestone

Symons is still very much in the formative years of her NBL1 career at 21 years of age and having made her debut with the Eagles at this level back in 2019 while only 16 still.

She is rightfully proud to have reached her 50-game milestone a couple of weeks back especially to do it at a club that means so much to her and her family.

"I definitely can’t imagine playing anywhere else and I was so surprised about my 50 games, I was unaware I achieved that milestone until a few hours before the game," Symons said.

"It was really nice that the girls organised some balloons for me! Hoping to hit a couple more milestones before I hang my boots up but I’ll just see what’s in store for me in the future!"

How much East Perth means

The connection that Symons has with East Perth and the fact that she has been able to share the journey with her family is something that means it's a bond that will likely last a lifetime.

"The club means a whole lot to me, I personally don’t know anything different as I began here at East Perth since I was around 10-11 years of age, I think it’s really just a part of who I am now and my identity," Symons said.

"The club also means a lot to my family as this is where we’ve met lifelong friends who are now family to us. East Perth has given me opportunities to make so many connections with others, which I’m forever grateful for."

Big last three weeks

The work is still ahead of the Eagles to reach the playoffs in 2024 and they likely need to win all four games against Perry Lakes, Willetton, Rockingham and Goldfields.

Whether or not it ends in a finals appearance, Symons is hoping for a strong finish both on a team and personal front over the next three weeks.

"The season has definitely flown by so fast and I can't believe there's only three more weeks left, this season personally I think I've had a lot of growth within my game on and off the court, whether that's in D-League or NBL1," Symons said.

"I'm feeling more confident in myself which helps me play better on court. The team has come really far together, from pre-season beginning in late 2023 to now.

"A large factor is the coaching group and the effort they have put into the team. The players as well have shown a lot of growth with all the effort we have put in, hopefully we can push ourselves over the line to get through to finals!"

So many near misses in 2024

It has been a season of frustrating close losses for the Eagles too including three losses by single digits in a run of six defeats to open the season, but Symons remains confident their luck can begin to turn if they are in those tight situations again.

"Definitely have had some close losses the past games with only going down by a few points, which is a shame we can't get ourselves above them," she said.

"But I think we still all have the fight and determination within ourselves to make finals, everyone is really dedicated at trainings and we're giving our all at games too, so definitely a possibility for the East Perth women this year."

Taking inspirational from teammates

While at the end of the day like in any sport, winning or losing is what things ultimately get judged by, in a team environment creating a strong culture is often what needs to come before that success eventuates.

Having a group of players which has a true connection with one another who genuinely like and care for each other is crucial, and that's exactly what Symons sees with this team.

Then you look at two teammates like Mary Goulding and Sam Lubcke who have overcome an enormous amount in the past 12 months to get back playing, and Symons can't help but be inspired.

"Definitely more to than just winning games. I'm so proud of how far Mary and Sam have come from their injuries, really illustrates their determination to get back into the game and the support system they had to get back to where they were," Symons said.

"Playing again with Mary since she was last with East Perth has been great, she offers an abundance of knowledge for the game and is a true demonstration of what hard work can do.

"Sam as well having her back has been great, she really shows her strength in the paint and being a threat on the court, she's come back so smoothly and really looking like she's been playing the whole season!

"With that, I think the girls within the team and the friendship and chemistry we have has been amazing, we've all formed lifelong friendships which I'm forever grateful for."

What life is like away from basketball

Symons certainly spends plenty of time at Morley Sport and Recreation Centre, but life is full on away from basketball too as she completes her sports science degree, is getting her Pilates accreditation and has to make sure she spends enough time with her doggo.

"Outside of basketball my time is limited but with the time away I’ve been getting my accreditation in reformer and mat Pilates teaching," Symons said.

"I’m currently in my last year of exercise sport science and hope to continue my studies and begin my masters of physiotherapy if everything goes well!

"The aim is to be able to be a physio for a sporting team within the NBL realm. Other than that I enjoy my time relaxing at home or down at the dog park with my dog and having a run around with him."