Paige Burrows is an 18 year old National Basketball athlete currently completing her final year of VCE. We interviewed Paige about her experience at SRA, competing internationally, and juggling elite level sport and school.
Hey Paige! Introduce yourself.
I’ve played basketball since I was about 4-5 years old and loved it ever since. I’m currently playing for Melbourne Boomers in the WNBL as a development player and play for Knox Raiders in the NBL1. I’ve been at SRA for about 4 years now, started off getting treatment, then ever since have been working-out in the gym.
What accomplishments are you proud of over the last 12 months?
I’m proud of getting a development player spot for Melbourne Boomers and recently went to the U19s World Cup for the Australian Gems.
How was your experience playing internationally for Australia?
It was the most amazing experience ever. The style of play is super physical and the whole tournament and all the behind-the-scenes is very professional. I loved representing my country and creating new friendships that will last a lifetime.
How do you manage the pressures of High School, Elite level sport and everyday life?
I’ve got to say it’s hard. The best thing for me was to have some time away from it all, which was going to SRA. Going to an environment where my stress levels were non-existent and I wouldn’t think about juggling it all. Being able to have somewhere or something to go for an escape really helped me and I also just love to lift weights. Being present with friends and family too are huge for me, as being in a basketball stadium or at school was where I’d mostly be but having that social life is very important to juggle it all. Studying for Sacs and exams earlier also really helps to ensure if I had a training that I couldn’t study that day it ensures no stress would occur.
How has SRA helped you along your journey?
SRA has hugely impacted my life in the most positive way possible. From the earlier years I wouldn’t even know what’s right to fuel my body, but working with Shaun and the team I fuel my body to ensure I’m ready for every training and game. I’ve gotten so much stronger but also more athletic throughout the past 4 years and it’s really shown on the basketball court. Something I never do is set goals but with SRA I’ve created goals that I am always determined to achieve. Along my journey I never knew how to look after my body, at SRA they have so much different equipment for any sort of recovery needs and that really helped changing my game to the next level.
What’s next for you? What goal/s do you have (basketball, gym, study, career etc.)?
My goals for me would be to get a contract in the WNBL, continue developing my game on and off the court especially continue getting stronger at SRA. I want to study either Osteotherapy or exercise and sports science at Uni.
Do you have any advice for youth athletes?
My advice to younger athletes would be to not go through the motions, if you want to get better you have to do the work.