Veteran to lead Phoenix Women again in NBL1 North 2021

Experienced Sunshine Coast Phoenix player Amy Browne has signed on again to lead the women’s team in their inaugural NBL1 North 2021 campaign.

The local Sunshine Coast talent and multiple Queensland state junior representative returns after leading the Phoenix Women’s QSL team in scoring (18.5ppg) and rebounding (9.7 rpg) during the 2020 season.

Browne will draw on all of her experience gained through time in the US college system (Newberry College, Arizona Western and California Baptist) and a three-year stint playing professionally with the Manchester Mystics in the British Basketball League, to captain a  team taking aim at an NBL1 play-off spot in season 2021.

Sixteen years on from playing her first QBL game with the Maroochydore Clippers, the former QBL Youth Player of the Year (2008) is still motivated to achieving success for a Phoenix program she has led since returning from overseas in 2017.

"I am really looking forward to the upcoming NBL1 season with Sunshine Coast Phoenix as we have some quality senior players joining the team," Browne said,

"They will bring with them invaluable experience and leadership that will undoubtedly raise our team to the next level.

"Coupled with four very talented juniors in the squad I’m excited to get on the court with the team and I look forward to the season ahead."

Father and Women’s Head Coach, Darren Browne, feels this year’s player recruitment will complement the playing style of his on-court leader.

"Amy has been a key player for this team for many seasons, and this year will be no exception," he said.

"Amy should be able to play more of her natural offensive game this year, as other key signings should give her the opportunity to move and play more off the ball and have some open looks in her preferred spots.

"Her ability to defend multiple positions will allow us to play different lineups throughout the game.

"Her quiet leadership demeanour has a calming influence on the floor, and we will be looking for Amy and her other senior teammates to guide us when things get tough."

The Phoenix Women’s and Men’s team will play part in the NBL1 North “Rivalry Round” season launch, when they take on the University of Sunshine Coast Rip on Thursday 13 May at USC Stadium.

The Women’s game will tip-off at 6.30pm, with the Men’s action starting at 8.30pm.