Athlete Interview: Paige Burrows

Athlete Interview: Paige Burrows

Paige has been part of the Knox and SRA community for most of her basketball journey. From starting the game at six years old to representing Victoria Metro, Australia at the U19 World Cup, and competing across NBL1, WNBL development programs, and most recently New Zealand’s Tauihi League, Paige continues to build an impressive resume. Alongside her playing career, she has also stepped into coaching within the Knox junior academy, helping shape the next generation of athletes. We sat down with Paige to reflect on her journey, her growth within the Knox and SRA environment, and what lies ahead in her sporting journey.

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Q1: You started playing basketball at just six years old. What inspired you to start playing basketball over other sports ? Did you play any other sports growing up?

I grew up in a basketball stadium watching my brothers play so just being around them all the time made me want to join too. I used to do dancing but clearly wasn’t that good!!

Q2: Growing up playing domestic basketball in the Knox Basketball League before progressing into representative teams, how important was that pathway in shaping you as a player?

Each team I played for growing up definitely had a big influence on where I am today as a player. Starting out in domestic basketball helped me build the fundamentals and love for the game, and progressing through the pathway into representative teams allowed me to continue developing at a higher level. Along the way I was lucky to learn from a range of different coaches and play alongside many great teammates, all of whom shaped my development both on and off the court. That pathway played a really important role in helping me grow as a player and preparing me for the opportunities I’ve had since.

Q3: Who was your biggest influence or role model growing up?

Definitely my parents. The amount of time and effort they’ve put into supporting me over the years has been huge — whether that’s driving me across the city to trainings, games, or tournaments. They’ve always been there backing me and making those sacrifices, and that’s had a really big influence on my journey and where I am today.

Q4: When did you realise that you wanted to take basketball more seriously?

I think the first time I really realised I wanted to take basketball more seriously was when I made my first ones team in rep. That was the moment where I thought, “yes, I really want to do this.” Then making my first state team really clarified that for me and confirmed that I wanted to keep pushing myself and see how far I could go with basketball.

Q5: Earning selection into Vic Metro is obviously a big milestone for any athlete. What was your biggest learning from competing at that elite level?

Competing for Vic Metro meant playing against the best athletes from across Australia, and Vic Metro has always had a bit of a target on its back as one of the strongest teams. Every game felt like teams were coming after you, which really raised the level of competition.My biggest learning from those tournaments was how to organise my team in tough moments, especially in close games like gold medal matches. As a point guard, it taught me the importance of controlling the tempo, staying composed under pressure, and knowing what to run offensively when the game gets tight. Being able to lead the group and make clear decisions in those moments was something I really developed through that experience.

Q6: In 2023, you represented Australia at the U19 World Cup. What did wearing the green and gold mean to you, and what were your biggest takeaways from that tournament?

Wearing the green and gold meant the world to me. It’s always been a dream to represent Australia, so having the opportunity to do that on the world stage was incredibly special and something I’m really proud of. One of my biggest takeaways from that tournament was how physical international basketball is compared to other leagues. Every team plays with a lot of strength and intensity, so it really challenged me to adjust and compete at that level.

Q7: You’ve spent several seasons playing NBL1 with Knox Raiders. Would you say this has helped prepare you for higher-level competition and how has the environment helped your development as a player?

Playing in NBL1 with the Knox Raiders has definitely helped prepare me for higher-level competition. Knox is such a professionally run club, which sets you up really well for playing at the next level and being exposed to that professionalism early on.

It’s really helped my development as a player by allowing me to experience how things operate within professional environments. Being around teammates who are professionals has also been huge for my growth, especially learning from the way they prepare, train, and take care of their bodies. Seeing those habits up close has given me a much better understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest level.

Q8: You’ve also been involved as a development player with both the Melbourne Boomers and Southside Flyers in the WNBL. What was it like stepping into WNBL environments as a development player with the Melbourne Boomers and Southside Flyers?

As a development player, you train and do everything the contracted players do, so a lot of it is about learning, even though you might play a lot less in games.

At the start it was definitely a bit daunting stepping into that environment, but once you build relationships with your teammates and spend multiple seasons around the same group, you become much more comfortable. That consistency and exposure really helped me grow both on and off the court.

Q9: Most recently, you played in New Zealand’s Tauihi League. What was that experience like, and how did playing overseas help you grow as a player and person?

Being my first time playing overseas I really enjoyed the experience. Living away from home and learning to be more independent was something I got a lot out of, and it was great being able to see a different country and explore with my teammates as well.

From a basketball perspective, it was a really valuable opportunity for my development. The league allowed me to play with more physicality and also work on slowing the game down a bit offensively, which helped me continue to grow my decision-making and overall feel for the game. It was a great experience both as a player and as a person.

Q10: What were the biggest lessons you took from training alongside established professionals?

The way they consistently work hard, whether it’s at training, in the gym, or in their preparation, really stood out to me and showed the level of commitment it takes to compete at that level.

Q11: What’s your overall favourite memory from your basketball journey?

Growing up I had always love representing Victoria, those tournaments were so much fun and some of my favourite memories from those weeks. More recently though, winning last years nbl1 championship with Knox Raiders was really special.

Q12: You’ve spent many years training at SRA. How did this come about or what inspired you to start training at SRA Sports Therapy?

Back when SRA was based out of Busy bodies I used to see Shaun for treatment and to use the recovery boots. From there I gradually started getting into the gym side of things, i’ve now been training with Shaun for about 8 years.

Q13: How has that consistent work in the gym contributed to your performance on the court?

That consistent work in the gym has had a massive impact on my performance on the court. It’s helped a lot with injury prevention, keeping my body strong and building up that strength, which is so important when competing against high-level athletes, especially in more physical games. On top of that, it’s improved my quickness and movement, allowing me to be more explosive and effective in different areas of the game.

Q14: In recent years, you’ve also stepped into a coaching role within the Knox junior academy. What motivated you to start coaching while still playing at a high level?

Coaching was something I felt really passionate about, especially being able to give back to the younger generation. It’s not just about teaching basketball skills, but also helping them with movement patterns and fundamentals that you don’t always get taught in standard team trainings.

Q15: What has been the most challenging period of your basketball journey so far?

One of the most challenging periods in my basketball journey has been learning not to compare myself to others. It’s easy to get caught up in what other athletes are doing, but I’ve realised everyone’s path is different. For me, it’s been about shifting that mindset and focusing on getting better every day, rather than measuring myself against others.

Q16: What’s your approach to handling setbacks, whether that’s injury, selection disappointment etc.?

I always try to remind myself everyone’s path is different. If something doesn’t go my way I just get back to working on my game and trying to better myself. Not to compare.

Q17: What advice would you give to young girls playing basketball?

Have fun—basketball doesn’t always have to be so serious. You’ll make friends for life, so work hard but enjoy it too.

Q18: What goals are you currently working toward, both on and off the court?

Right now I’m working towards earning a rostered spot in the WNBL and continuing to develop my game as much as possible. Off the court, I’m looking to start studying—just still figuring out exactly what I want to pursue.