Athlete Interview: Gemma Potter
Gemma Potter is one of the first professional basketball athletes who started training with SRA almost 5 years ago. During this time, Gemma has successfully rehabilitated 2 ACL’s and currently plays WNBL for Geelong United.
Learn more about Gemma below:
Basketball Journey:
What does the sport of basketball mean to you?
Basketball, to me, is joy. No matter what’s happening off the court, it’s always there – constant, reliable, something I can count on. What means the most, though, are the friendships and the memories it’s given me. The people I’ve met, the places it’s taken me – that’s what sticks with me more than anything.
What would be your favourite basketball memory to date?
My favourite memory would be winning a WNBL Championship with the UC Capitals, this was a special year where I learnt a lot about what it takes to be a professional athlete from some pretty amazing coaches and teammates.
What would be the biggest challenge you have faced in your career so far?
The biggest challenge I’ve faced in my career was coming back from my second ACL injury. That was the first time I truly started to question my future in basketball. It wasn’t just the physical side – it was mental, emotional, everything. I had faced doubts I’d never felt before, and it really forced me to look at the game and myself in a different way.
Injury, Setbacks & Mental Resilience:
You’ve come back from not one, but two ACL injuries. Can you describe what each rehab process was like and how they differed?
In the moment, my first rehab process felt tough – but looking back now, having something to compare it to paints a completely different picture. That first recovery was hard for all the expected reasons: pain, frustration, and the grind of overcoming adversity. But it was straightforward in a way – it was new, and I didn’t know what to expect.
My second ACL rehab was different. It was painful in ways I still struggle with, both physically and mentally. I couldn’t walk for the first week, and from that moment on, everything felt slower. I found myself constantly comparing milestones—thinking, “I was already doing this by now last time.” That mindset messed with me. I had to keep reminding myself that these were two separate recoveries, and that it was okay for the process to look different this time.
Which rehab was more challenging for you? Why?
My second rehab was a lot tougher than the first—physically and mentally. Right from the start, it felt different. Everything just seemed slower and more painful. But what made it harder was constantly comparing it to my first recovery. I kept thinking, “I was already doing this by now last time,” and that got in my head. Over time, I started to feel like I was more used to being on the sidelines than actually playing, which was a tough thing to sit with.
What advice do you have for other athletes experiencing a major injury?
If I could give any advice to athletes dealing with injury, it’s this: use the time to learn about yourself. Being out of the game is tough, but it gives you space to grow in ways you wouldn’t if you were still playing. You learn what really drives you and how strong you are, not just physically, but mentally too. & Life is bigger than basketball or any sport!
Geelong United:
Tell us about the decision to sign with Geelong United in the WNBL:
My decision to move to Geelong definitely wasn’t easy. Canberra had been home for seven years – it was my comfort zone, and I was living with some of my closest friends. But I’ve always felt that change is what pushes me to grow, and this move was no different. A big part of the decision was being closer to my family in Victoria. Having them at my games and around more often has been really special, and it reminded me how important that support is, both on and off the court.
How did the club/team culture come together in the first season, What role do you feel you have played in this?
In the first season, the team culture came together pretty naturally. A lot of us were new to the team, but we had history playing with each other in the past, so there was this shared feeling of starting fresh. That made it easier to connect and build something solid from the beginning. Everyone brought good energy and bought in early, which really set the tone. My role within the team was pretty similar to what I’d been exposed to in the past. I’ve always taken pride in being someone who can do whatever the team needs on any given night, and that’s exactly what I tried to bring into this group. Whether it was stepping up on the court or supporting in other ways, I think I did that well and stayed true to that role all season.
What’s your favourite thing about living in Geelong?
My favourite thing about living in Geelong is the lifestyle we have here. The group is really like-minded, and we’ve built a great daily routine together. Whether it’s training, getting coffee, or just hanging out, there’s a good balance between basketball and enjoying life outside of it. It makes everything feel more connected and enjoyable.
SRA Sports Therapy:
For those that don’t know, how did you come to find SRA?
I was introduced to SRA by an old coach who brought me down for a session. I got along with Shaun straight away and really connected with the vision he had for SRA. Back then, the gym was nothing like it is now. It’s been amazing to watch it grow, and looking back, I’m definitely proud of Shaun and how far he’s taken it. To see that vision become a reality and be part of that journey has been pretty special.
What role has SRA played in your rehab, performance and everyday life?
SRA has definitely been a space of safety for me. As an athlete who moves around a lot and has spent more time living out of state than in my home area, it’s always been a place where I know I’ll be pushed to become a better athlete. What’s made it even more special is having people on similar rehab timelines during both of my recoveries. It helped so much knowing I wasn’t alone – seeing others show up and grind through the same tough days made it easier to keep going. SRA has played a big role not just in my rehab and performance, but in my everyday life and mindset.
What do you enjoy most about SRA?
My favourite part of SRA is definitely the community and the people there. As much as I hate to admit it, Shaun’s done an excellent job with networking and building something special. He’s created a space where people from all different backgrounds and walks of life come together with one shared goal – to get better. It doesn’t matter where you’re from or what you do outside the gym – everyone shows up with the same drive, and that’s what makes it such a powerful environment. & CLEO.
Reflection, Goal Setting & Advice:
Looking back now, how have your ACL injuries shaped who you are, not only as an athlete, but as a person?
100%. I’m definitely not the same person I was before my injuries. Of course, time has passed and I’ve grown up with age, but going through two ACL rehabs showed me a side of myself I didn’t know existed, it has shown me how to deal with adversity, develop mental toughness and forced me to slow down in a lifestyle that doesn’t stop for anything.
What did you learn about yourself during those tough times in rehab?
During those tough times in rehab, I learned that I’m a lot stronger – mentally and emotionally than I ever gave myself credit for. Going through two ACL recoveries forced me to slow down, be patient, and sit with the hard moments rather than avoid them. I realised I could keep showing up even on the days when I didn’t feel like it. I also learned how much I value connection, having others around me going through similar struggles made a huge difference. Most of all, I learned that while basketball is a huge part of my life, it’s not all of it.
Was there ever a moment in time where you thought you may never play basketball again?
Yes, definitely. During my second rehab, I hit my lowest point mentally, and that’s when those thoughts really crossed my mind. I genuinely questioned whether I’d ever play basketball again. I didn’t try to push those feelings away – I acknowledged them, because they were valid. I knew what the rehab process involved, and that made it even heavier the second time around. It wasn’t just about recovering physically, it was about finding the belief in myself to do it all over again.
If you could go back in time and give yourself any advice the day you tore your first ACL, what would you say?
If I could go back and give myself advice on the day I tore my first ACL, I’d say: “This is going to be harder than you think but you’re going to come out of it stronger in ways you can’t imagine yet.” I’d remind myself to be patient, to trust the process, and to not be afraid of the bad days, they’re part of it.
What goals do you have moving forward with your basketball career?
I’d love to represent my country if that opportunity ever comes. More importantly, I just want to enjoy the game and have fun with it. I’ve learned through everything I’ve been through that basketball isn’t the only thing that defines my success. It’s something I love, but it’s not everything. So moving forward, my goal is to keep playing with passion, stay present, and not lose sight of the bigger picture.
Epilogue
Being a small part of Gemma Potter’s journey across the last five years has been a true inspiration. From the moment Gemma first walked into SRA; it was clear she had the mindset, talent and determination to be great at anything she put her mind to.
What’s more impressive is the resilience, determination and grit Gemma has shown across not one but two ACL injuries.
The physical and mental battle to show up every single day during rehab without compromising is one that most will never truly understand. There were days of setbacks, frustrations, doubt, arguments and tears but one thing Gemma never allowed to happen was giving up.
It has been a privilege to watch Gemma grow, not only as an athlete but also as a leader, role model and person. Gemma is someone who will always put her hand up to support SRA whether it be through workshops, educating/inspiring younger athletes or giving us her opinion on how many mirrors should be installed in the gym.
I am excited to continue watching Gemma grow as she heads into her second season with Geelong United and continues to develop her craft as a basketball athlete, leader and role model.
Shaun Atkins – Director of SRA Sports Therapy