Courtside Coffee Catch-Up

Some special people stay with you… and Char is one of them.When I sat down with Charlotte Whittaker, it felt a little full circle for me.I first met Char back in 2018 at the inaugural Steven Adams High School Invitational Camp… where she was being mentored by Penina Davidson — someone she’d later go on to share the court with as a Tall Fern.Since then, I’ve followed her journey and quietly cheered her on from afar.So to see her arrive here in Adelaide for her WNBL debut with the Adelaide Lightning — and then get the chance to actually sit down and have this conversation — it was pretty special.Because when you look at her journey, it’s taken her everywhere.From a small town in North Canterbury to representing New Zealand as a Junior Tall Fern… to five years with the Colorado Buffaloes women’s basketball, building a 114-game Division I career… to winning a championship in France.On the surface, it looks like a journey that just kept building.But that’s not the full story.Because in the middle of it all, Charlotte was diagnosed with degenerative hip dysplasia — and suddenly, the game she’d built her life around was at risk of being taken away.We’re talking about a choice between walking away… or going through multiple major surgeries for a 15 percent chance of ever playing again.And still… she chose to back herself.That part of the conversation — the honesty, the uncertainty, the resilience — that’s what stayed with me.And now, reflecting on her choice to return home to New Zealand… suiting up for Mainland Pouākai in the Tauihi league, making her Tall Ferns debut alongside her sister… before stepping into the WNBL — it just adds another layer to her story.Full circle — but earned.This is what resilience looks like.This is what perspective sounds like.And this is what a role model for the next generation looks like.Charlotte Whittaker — this is a really special one.

Our guest for Episode 20 is coach Tracy York.We often talk about people who love the game…but every now and then, you meet someone who has truly lived it.From Brighton Baptist Church…to South Adelaide Panthers…to Forestville Eagles…Tracy York’s journey didn’t start with headlines —in her words, she was a “very good average” player.But at 22, she stepped into coaching…and never stepped away.Men. Women. Boys. Girls.Wheelchair. Able-bodied.Every level of the game.But ask her what matters most…and it’s not the resume.It’s the people.Relationships built across years…and across continents.Because through career, motherhood, and cancer —the game was always there.And so were the people in it.In Tracy's words, "You like it. You love it. Or you live it.Tracy York has lived it.

From Aussie Hoops to the WNBL — but not without its challenges.Proud South Australian and Sturt Sabres junior Tayla Brazel joined me for a game day catch-up.A WNBL Betty Watson Breakout Player of the Year nominee and a product of the South Australian high performance pathway, her story is built on resilience.We touch on personal adversity, the people behind the scenes, and the impact of the South Australian Sports Institute and Sturt Sabres Head Coach Tim Short.Now locked in on what’s next — chasing an NBL1 Central Championship with her Sturt Sabres family.Because the game is only part of the story… and the next chapter is hers to write.

Just four weeks into her interim role this past season, I sat down with newly announced Adelaide Lightning Head Coach, Aja Parham-Ammar.Aja’s journey in the game spans continents, roles, and experiences — from her days as a Boston College athlete, to earning opportunities at Seattle Storm training camp, and building a decorated playing career here in Australia.Her transition from NBL1 player to coach came under the guidance of Australian Basketball Hall of Famer CJ Bruton at the Southern District Spartans, with further encouragement at the Queensland state level from now COE Women’s Head Coach, Mel Downer.Since then, Aja has led the Logan Thunder to the 2025 NBL1 North Championship, coached across both women’s and men’s NBL1 North programs — including becoming one of the few women to lead an NBL1 men’s team — and was recognised as Basketball Queensland’s 2023 Female Coach of the Year.Off the court, she’s a mum to Ziya and Sanaa, wife to Thomas, and the founder of The Sports Mindset, where she’s been helping athletes develop mentally for over 15 years.This is a conversation about resilience, perspective, and the moments that don’t go to plan — but shape everything that comes next.I hope you enjoy this catch-up as much as we did.Below is the link to the interview mentioned in this chat; The Healing Power of Basketball - Lexi Partell & Aja Parham Ammar | NBA INGRAINED EP3 - of a six-part docuseries created by Matthew Adekponya for NBA Australia, aired in 2022.

In this episode, I’m joined by Marial Machar — founder of the Eastside Rams Basketball Club, now Rams Sports Group. What started as a team of friends playing in a local carnival, quickly grew to an interstate road trip and well attended trial saw the Rams grow by 80 literally over night At 18, while studying law, Marial formally founded the Rams — becoming one of South Australia’s youngest CEOs.Today, the organisation supports hundreds of young people, has expanded into Queensland, and operates under a powerful for the youth, by the youth model led by peer educators and lived-experience mentors.In July, the Rams will partner with the Adelaide Junior Basketball League (AJBL) to host the South Sudanese Australian National Basketball Association (SSNBA) Classic at St Clair Recreation Centre — another example of community and culture coming together through the game.Marial is currently overseas as a recipient of the Winston Churchill Fellowship — specifically the Donald Mackay Churchill Fellowship — exploring global responses to antisocial behaviour and gang issues affecting East African youth.I really enjoyed not only hearing more about the beginnings of the Rams but getting to know Marial himself. This impressive young man is different — thoughtful, intentional, and deeply committed to creating opportunity for others.This is a conversation about leadership, purpose, and what can happen when you see a gap and decide to step into it.I hope you enjoy this catch-up as much as we did.

☕ Courtside Coffee Catch-Up | Episode 18In Episode 18, Kerry sits down with Michelle Cosier — current WNBL referee, former WNBL Champion, wife, mum, and long-time role model.Affectionately known as Muss, Michelle’s journey has taken her from a quiet country upbringing in Bairnsdale to the highest levels of Australian basketball. She debuted for the Sapphires at the 2003 World Championships, earned a call-up to the Opals squad ahead of the 2004 Athens Olympics team selection, and was named DEADLY Female Sportsperson of the Year in 2004.Across her career, Michelle has contributed years of continuous service to the WNBL — from 243 games as a player with the Dandenong Rangers, Sydney Flames, and Canberra Capitals, to more recently reaching the milestone of 50 games officiated as a referee.With a friendship that spans decades — from teenage years in Melbourne to flatting together in Sydney — Kerry and Michelle share an open and at times vulnerable conversation covering basketball, body image, starting a family, culture, and life beyond the game.🎙️ An honest, thoughtful, and deeply personal catch-up — minus the coffee, but very close to the courtside.

Our guest for Episode 17 is Coach Joey Wright  Best known as a 3-time NBL Coach of the Year Winner, 2007 NBL Championship winning coach of the Brisbane Bullets and past Adelaide 36ers Coach (7 seasons 2013-20). It was great to chat with Joey about his growing Transition Sports Adelaide Academy and plans for the new ShootHQ Notting Hill facility he has recently opened with former player and now friend Adam Gibson. I loved hearing where his love of the game started but also the bumps and bruises along the way that shaped him into the man he is today.  We covered basketball, family, relationships, connection, and the power of a shared love of the game. Venturing out of the studio for a true courtside catch up was something new, apologies for the audio but hope you can appreciate the quality of the conversation. I hope you enjoy this catch up as much as we did.Shoot HQTransition Sports

Our guest for Episode 16 is Lara Somfai.Returning to Adelaide for summer break to spend some quality time with her family, it was such a pleasure to meet Lara’s Mum and Dad before sitting down for this catch up. Between completing her first quarter at Stanford University and heading home she made a stop at the Nike Skills Academy, rounding out a huge 10 months.Graduating from High School but not before winning a National Championship and becoming only the Third Australian to be named to and play in the McDonald's All-American Games behind Ben Simmons and Josh Green. Attending the Nike Hoop Summit where she represented Australia on the World Select Team and we can’t forget the Jordan Brand Classic. I loved learning more about Lara’s background and untraditional pathway ahead of her first of four years at college which I have no doubt will see her achieving everything on her vision bord and more. I hope you enjoy the catch-up as much as we did.

Our guest for Episode 15 is Kerryn Mitchell. It was so great to catch up for a coffee and officially welcome my former teammate Kezz to the City of Churches ahead of her debut as Head Coach of the New look Adelaide Lightning. Kerryn Owens (maiden name) played her first of ten WNBL season under Coach Lori Chizik for Nunawading at the age of 17 before moving to Canberra to play 4 seasons with the Caps. The Mum of 3 and Primary School Teacher transitioned from player to coach when her youngest started playing ather own Junior Club Frankston. It didn’t take long for Kerryn to use her experience, knowledge and connections to not only improve the local program but have success at a statelevel for Victoria while leading the launch and growth of The Flinders Basketball Academy | Flinders Christian Community College. Ahead of the 2026 Adelaide Lighting Season Launch next month it is easy to see why she was the perfect choice to leadthe team into this exciting new chapter.I hope you enjoy the catch-up as much as we did.   ⚡️Adelaide Lightning Head Coach 🖤 NZL Tall Ferns Assistant Coach🏀 Flinders Basketball Academy Special Advisor🏀 NBA Academy Next Generation Camp Assistant Coach🏆 2024 WNBL Championship - Ass Coach Southside Flyers🏀WNBL Southside Flyers Assistant Coach, 2022 - 2024🏀 Sandringham Sabres NBL1 Head Coach🏀 Victorian Women’s U20 State team Assistant Coach, 2019 - 2021🏀 Frankston Blues YLW Head Coach 2021🏀U20 Victorian Women's State team, Head Coach 2022🏀 Basketball Australia Elite Female Coach Advancement Program 2021🏀 Bendigo Spirit WNBL Melbourne based individuals coach 2020🏀 3 years playing in Europe as an import🏀 10-year WNBL player💙 Canberra Capitals ​Club MVP 1995​Club Captain 1996, 97​Club Defensive Player of the Year 1995, 96 & 97​Club Most Assists 1996​Club Most Steals 1996🏀 National and VIC State Junior representative

Our guest for Episode 14 is Courtney Schild.Currently on Maternity Leave from her role as Events and Logstics Manager, it was great to hear about her new and most import title of Mum. And also recap the amazing experience she had last year as the inaugural recipient of the She Hoops and Seattle Storm Administration FellowshipI loved having the opportunity to not only hear about Courtneys experience in Seattle but more about her passion and value for genuine connections.I hope you enjoy this catch-up as much as we did.

Our guest for Episode 13 is Atem Atem As you will hear, the excitement for this catch-up was real!I first met Atem during his time as an Adelaide 36ers Development player, so it was great to hear more about both his personal and basketball journeys. From fundraising to help his Uncle Build a School back in South Sudan to taking the time to encourage kids of all ages and backgrounds to play basketball. Atem continues to contribute to every community he is a part of. Currently working as a cultural liaison officer at his former high school St James College in Brisbane, Atem was recently named as one of five coaches selected for the inaugural Basketball Australia Multicultural Coaching Scholarship Program.I hope you enjoy the catch-up as much as we did!If you would like to know more or are interested in supporting Atem's vision for the Brisbane Panthers Basketball Club / Academy, you can check them out on Instagram @brisbane_panthers

Our guest for Episode 12 is Lizzy Williamson Growing up courtside as the youngest member of a South Australian Basketball family. It was never a questions of if, but when she would find her love of the game. A 6 foot 5 legitimate centre, Lizzy made her debut at 16 years old with Sturt in what was the Premier League at the time. She was also a member of the Rachel Sporn Lightning Academy before being recruited to Utah State University.As well as enjoying team success, she has earned honours on and off court along the way, most recently graduating with a Masters of Education from NC State. A combination of COVID and Injuries will see Lizzy return for her 7th and final year of college, transferring to the Oregon State Beavers, where her experience and versatility will be valued on and off the court. I really enjoyed hearing more about Lizzy’s journey to date and am genuinely excited to see not only the impact she can have at Oregon State but what lies ahead because the world is truly her oyster. I hope you enjoy the catch-up as much as we did!

Our guest for Episode 11 is Magok Manyang, Born in South Sudan, Magok and his family have called South Australia home since he was 5 years old. The eldest of 8 siblings, he is proud to be the first in the family to obtain his college degree – a Bachelor’s degree in PsychologyIt was an absolute pleasure to not only get to know more about Magok’s background and upbringing but his introduction to Basketball and rapid development via the Adelaide Warriors, Trinity College and The Centrals District Lions. Returning from his 4th and final year of College in the states, the immediate focus was locking in a place in the 2025 NBL1 Central Finals Campaign with his tightknit team that includes younger brother Deng and childhood friends and team mates.I hope you enjoy the catch-up as much as we did.

Our guests for Episode 10 are Vicki Daldy and Kaylee Stuart (nee Elsdon).The junior and state league rivals turned teammates were members of SA State Teams, Australian Junior teams, and the inaugural Adelaide Lightning WNBL team in 1993.Inaugural WNBL Life Members,​Kaye-Lee was the first woman to play 200 WNBL games after making her debut at 13 years old with her junior club West Adelaide Bearcats. She then went on to play with the Adelaide Comets and Adelaide Lightning where she ended her WNBL playing career with 226 games played. ​Vicky played 247 games, debuting with her junior club North Adelaide Rockets where she won her first Championship in 1990 before joining the West Adelaide Bearcats for one season before they merged with the Comets to become the Adelaide Lightning where she won her second championship as a player. She finished her WNBL playing career at the completion of the 1996 season with the Dandenong Rangers.Both "bossy point guards" naturally transitioned from playing to coaching. Kaye-Lee initially as a player-coach with the Noarlunga City Tigers, and Vicky took the reins of The Norwood Flames Women in the Australian Basketball Association (ABA) Central conference. They eventually teamed up again, but this time as coaches at The West Adelaide Bearcats, where they won the 2022 NBL1 Central Women's Championship.This season (2025) they have led the Woodville Warriors women to their first finals appearance since 2015 and would love nothing more than to deliver the team’s first Championship in its proud history.I hope you enjoy this catch-up as much as we did.

Our guest for Episode 9 is Lucinda Bueti A powerhouse on and off the Basketball Court​Gliders Women's National Wheelchair basketball squad member ​SASI Scholarship Athlete ​Inaugural Adelaide Thunder Women's National Wheelchair Basketball League (WNWBL) Team Captain​President of the South Australian Wheelchair Basketball Association (SAWBA)​SA Premier's Be Active Challenge Ambassador​Basketball Australia Ford Vehicle Ambassador ​2025 Marjorie Jackson Nelson Centre for Women's Sport Program ParticipantLou leads from the front, using her positions to advocate for Wheelchair Basketball and anyone who may want to participate at any level here in South Australia.Since meeting through the Basketball SA Female Participation Strategy Committee, it has been an absolute privilege getting to know Lucinda. The more I learn, the more she impresses and genuinely inspires me to be and do better without even trying. I hope you enjoy this catch-up as much as we did. Return to Work SA - Lucinda's Recovery and return to work story D8 Training Podcast #22 Rising Above: Lucinda Bueti's Journey from Injury to Inspiration

Our guest for Episode 8 is Freddy Webb, born and raised in Darwin his journey is unique and an example of the importance of genuine connections on and off the court. From growing up at the family’s Crocodylus Park to being the current Captain of the Eastern Mavericks in NBL1 Central, Basketball has taken him not only across the country but the world. Our longest catch-up by far, I think you will agree Freddy’s story is equal parts fascinating, inspirational, entertaining!There is so much more I could add to this introduction but I will let you hear it first hand. Before you press play grab a coffee (or beverage of your choice), sit back and enjoy this catch-up as much as we did. Freddy Webb (@adaptbasketball_) • Instagram photos and videosCrocodylus Park | Crocodile and Wildlife Park in Darwin, NT

Our guest for Episode 7 is Tara Dodman, current Southern Tigers Captain playing in the NBL1 Central. The former Adelaide Lightning player has over 300 games experience across ABA, CABL, Premier League and now NBL1. This season Tara is leading her young team through a rebuild and still hitting game winners!Off court she is Mum, Wife, Daughter, Sister, Aunty, Friend and Colleague juggling home, work and basketball with a smile on her face. Following the recent acknowledgment of her BSA Participant Life Membership it was an absolute pleasure to sit down to talk all things Basketball and Life with Tara.Despite covering so much we didn’t touch on the fact that she is also an author! Her book “The Space” was published in October, 2019. I hope you enjoy this catch-up as much as we did.

Our guest for Episode 6 is Trey McBride, who is currently playing for the Norwood Flames in NBL1 Central and giving back to the community through Hoopers Haven Academy. Since graduating from Northwood University in Michigan, Trey has played in Serbia, Macedonia, Canada Germany, France and here in Adelaide South Australia. It was an absolute pleasure to meet Trey, I loved his holistic view and approach to using Basketball as a vehicle to teach life skills alongside the fundamentals.I hope you enjoy this catch-up as much as we did.

Our guests for Episode 5 are Brooke Basham and Lauren Mansfield, co-founders of The Complete Athlete Project. I am a huge fan of CAP and loved hearing more about how and why they decided to establish South Australia’s only all Girls Academy and the amazing impact it has had over the first 2 years. WNBL Players with the Adelaide Lightning and Townsville Fire this past season, Bash & Loz are currently playing for North Adelaide in NBL1 Central I have had the pleasure of talking Basketball with Bash and Loz over the years but sitting down with them and connecting through our shared love and passion for the game was extra special. We covered a lot and there was much more we wanted to touch on so it was decided there will be a part two to this catch up. I hope you enjoy this catch-up as much as we did.

On the eve of the Trans Tasman Throw-down preparation Camp here in Adelaide, Tall Fern Ashlee Strawbridge joined me for a genuine Courtside Coffee Catch-Up.It was such a pleasure to learn more about her journey from Ashburton on the South Island of New Zealand to The West Adelaide Bearcats in Port Adelaide, South Australia. Her kindness, generosity and gratitude shone throughout the chat and I hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I enjoyed connecting with Ash.

Our guest for Episode 3 is Jason Williams, x3 Adelaide 36ers Championship player, current Sturt Sabres Junior Development Officer and NBL1 Mens Head Coach who continues to give back to the club and game he loves. Although we have known each other for a long time, I really enjoyed hearing about Jason’s introduction to the game via Mini Ball at the original Sturt Stadium and his natural progression into coaching.We covered a lot in our chat and touched on some more challenging times, I am so grateful to Jason for being so open and honest about his journey. I hope you enjoy this catch-up as much as we did.

Our guest for Episode 2 is Forestville Eagle Greg Mays, joined by Dad Jeff who was visiting with Greg’s Mom Renee from the States for the first time in his 8 years in Adelaide, South Australia.A player who has always let his game do the talking, it was great to get some insight from a very proud Jeff who has watched Greg not only become the great player that he is today, but the respectful man he has grown into. I hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I enjoyed connecting with Greg and his Mom & Dad.

When you ask Isaac White if he would have a chat with you for your new podcast (that hasn’t officially started yet) not expecting him to say yes….. being the first time using the wireless mics I pressed record on my phone “just incase” thank goodness!As you will hear this Bonus Episode was a true coffee catch up at the State Basketball Centre pre work out for Issac a couple of days before he headed West to join The Rockingham Flames for the NBL1 West season. Fresh off his Boomers Debut in February and a solid NBL season with the Brisbane Bullets it was great to connect and talk all things Basketball, Coffee, Deuce, and Mullets!

Nat Hurst joined me to record the first Courtside Coffee Catch-Up episode following the She Hoops Women in Sport Breakfast in Adelaide. We managed to cover a lot in our short catch up!I hope you enjoy hearing how Nat first fell in love with the game in Canberra, her transition from player to Coach and how she is prioritising her family in this next exciting chapter.❤️ Proud Wife & Mum🏆 x7 WNBL Championship Player🏆2008/09 WNBL Grand Final MVP 🩷 She Hoops Play Our Way Official Ambassador 🏀 Queanbeyan PLW Head Coach💙 Canberra Capitals Assistant Coach🖤 NZL Tall Ferns Head Coach

Host Kerry Waller introduces the Courtside Coffee Catch-Up Why C3?Courtside - Basketball has been my lifeCoffee - Is life at this pointCatch-Up - I LOVE a chat and connecting Recorded by Seb Griffin Executive Producer Allan ‘Downtown” Browne