Giants women’s coach welcomes emergence of second squad ahead of 2025 season

Goldfields Giants women’s coach Jaymi Worthington has welcomed the introduction from next year of a second-tier development, or D-League squad, to complement their NBL1 team. A second squad had long been a priority for the Giants because, unlike the club’s men’s ranks, the women’s program has no provision for young players to hone their skills outside domestic ranks before entering the cauldron of the NBL1. It earlier this year prompted Worthington — who is heading into her second year as women’s coach — to call for better pathways for emerging youngsters and fringe players. It was backed at the time by Kalgoorlie-Boulder Basketball Association president Rob Tagliaferri, who confirmed the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder had joined BHP and the Goldfields-Esperance Community Trust to provide funding as the region’s women’s program plays catch-up with the men. The Giants’ men’s program was bolstered seven years ago by a development squad, made up of fringe players and emerging youngsters. “This means young players are not just sitting on the bench, but instead are getting regular game time,” Worthington said. “That’s only going to help them improve because they can use those minutes to work on anything they need to. “It deepens our ability to improve our juniors because in Kalgoorlie, they weren’t getting opportunities to play at that higher level, where as all the Perth clubs do.” As the women’s squad gears up for a fourth NBL1 season, Worthington said there was pressure attached to securing a maiden finals berth. “There’s high expectations that we want to do a lot better than last season,” she said. “I think the girls have realised the level they need to be at, and a lot of them have done the work in the offseason. “We really need to make sure our fitness and strength and conditioning is up to par. “We’re working towards that, with some help from (squad member) Elena Scafidi who has offered her time in the offseason, is very focused on sports performance, and working closely with the players.” Worthington said the majority of the 2024 squad would be returning. Losses include Ashlee Sidebottom and Ashlee Monaghan, but Worthington has big hopes for new signings Rachel Pettit and Josephine Odude. Pettit, 27, is a veteran guard from the Mandurah Magic while Odude, a 20-year-old forward, has joined the Giants from the Joondalup Wolves. “Rachel has just chalked-up 200 games with Mandurah, but is actually a teacher whose moving here,” Worthington said. “And Josephine is coming for her nursing practical work next year. “She played minutes last season (for the Wolves) and is tall, which makes her a great pick-up for us. “Outside that, we are working on our restricted players — who will be our two imports — now.” The launch of the Giants’ second women’s squad next year will coincide with brand new facilities, as part of the $14.7 million stadium redevelopment that includes separate women’s and men’s changerooms for both the home and visiting teams. Worthington said the Goldfields’ new facility would be superior to many of the Perth venues.