Sienna shoots hoops, all the way to the USA 

Meet Sienna! Sienna, a Deadly Sista Girl in year 11 student at Darling Range Sports College, recently had the lifetime opportunity to travel across the world to pursue her passion playing basketball in America. She was invited to the July 2024 American Basketball Tour hosted by the Aussi Prospects.  

 Aussie Prospects provide elite Australian basketball talent opportunities to showcase their talent and gain exposure to the elite USA Basketball System. The team approached Sienna after seeing her skills on the court at a Perth basketball tournament. 

Throughout the journey, Sienna was able to play against high level US players, receive coaching from college, NBL1 and Australian Nationals coaches and attend Q&A sessions with current and ex- college players and coaches. She also had the opportunity to tour a range of colleges with basketball programs to provide insight into what studying and playing in America could look like.   

Speaking on her experience in America, Sienna stated, “It’s so different, it’s awesome. When I went there it was like wow, because it was an eye opener for me. It’s like you’re in the movies! Seeing everything, especially the basketball tournaments over there, it’s crazy to see so many people there and how their basketball community is so big compared to here.”  

The Deadly Sista Girlz program is led by strong First Nations roles models who empower participants to make informed decisions about their health, education and future careers. Sienna said her mentors are always there to support her at school, motivating her to work hard and apply herself. “DSG helps me a lot with school.  They have been pushing me a lot, especially Hope and Miss Jazz, been pushing me to get my grades and attendance up and just being here.” 

Hope said it’s been amazing to see Sienna pursue her dream in basketball.  

“I’m very proud of Sienna. For us Indigenous mob, we don’t get those types of opportunities often.”

Sienna hopes to inspire other First Nations girls who also dream of pursuing their dreams in basketball “You can do it! Some girls are too ashamed to get out there and have a go, but it’s just about having that confidence on the court and having fun.”

Deadly Sista Girlz is a culturally-appropriate program designed to improve school attendance and education attainment amongst First Nations girls operating in 18 schools across Australia. DSG is supported by the National Indigenous Australians Agency, with support from corporate partners. Find out more.