Athlete Interview: Rebecca Pizzey
Rebecca Pizzey is a basketball athlete who has played in the WNBL for 7 seasons and recently graduated with a Masters in Physiotherapy. She is the current captain for Eltham Women’s in the NBL1 and has been an athlete with SRA for 2 years.
Learn more about Pizzey below:
Sporting Journey:
What first drew you towards the sport of basketball?
My brother used to play basketball so at the age of 8 I decided I wanted to as well. I love the team aspect of it and the relationships formed along the way. The older I got the more I enjoyed learning the tactics and skills of the game.
Was playing professional basketball something you always dreamed of?
I never thought I would be playing professional basketball as a child. I remember going to watch the Bulleen Boomers in the WNBL at Veneto Club and thinking that looks like so much fun. I don’t think I dreamed of it, I just enjoy playing with and against the best players. I love playing with smart basketball players.
What would be your favourite basketball memory?
Winning a gold medal at the U17 World Championships in Zaragoza in 2016. That was pretty surreal. It’s not every day you get to represent your country and winning a gold medal really just topped that experience for me.
Who’s the funniest team mate you have played with? Why?
We had a very funny group at the UC Capitals in 2022/23. I laughed a lot that season with the likes of Jade Melbourne, Em Harmon, Gemma Potter and Lizzy Tonks. We carried on a lot and definitely still do whenever we see each other.
Leadership & Lessons
What major lessons do you feel you have learnt from basketball?
Basketball has taught me a lot about myself – it has taught me that teamwork and culture is everything. It has taught me about working hard, resilience and the importance of getting back up if you get knocked down.
Basketball has taught me that confidence matters – on and off the court, self belief can go a long way.
What leadership qualities do you feel are important for a captain of a basketball team?
I try to create a positive, fun environment that encourages everyone to be their best self as that is something that made a big difference to me when I was younger. I like to check in with players and see how they are feeling, giving them my full attention and trying to stay present in the big moments or when things get tough.
What do you value most in a team mate?
I believe that a team needs different personalities, skill sets and people to succeed. Finding a way to blend these skills and have them work together is the secret to success. The team mate who I value most is the one who is willing to be that point of difference on a team who brings everyone together.
Physiotherapy Career
When did you decide you wanted to become a physiotherapist?
I’ve wanted to be a physiotherapist for as long as I can remember. After dealing with a few injuries growing up, I saw firsthand how much of a difference a physio can make, not just in recovery, but in someone’s overall quality of life. Being surrounded by sports, I initially only knew about sports physio, but over time I’ve come to understand how physiotherapy can benefit people of all ages and backgrounds.
How did you go about juggling the demands of being a full time athlete while also studying physiotherapy?
Balancing both was definitely challenging at times however I found it beneficial as it allowed me to have something outside of basketball to focus on. If I don’t shoot well or am in a bit of a slump it is nice to have something away from the court to focus my attention on. I was lucky enough to complete my degree with Kiera Rowe (now Kiera Glover) so it was a lot of fun and we could help each other through. I thoroughly recommend doing the same degree as your best friend!
Tell us a little about your personal injury history:
I have had many injuries in my basketball history!
I had the classic Osgood-Schlatters throughout junior basketball and in 2015 I started subluxing my shoulder due to hypermobility. This was my first insight into a long term injury + strength training. I had shoulder surgery in 2016 and also had a stress fracture in my fibula so you could find me walking around both in a sling and moon boot during year 12 (not a great look for an athlete).
Since then the main injury I have experienced is chronic patella tendinopathy which has impacted my career significantly.
SRA Impact
How has SRA helped you navigate these injuries?
SRA put together a tailored rehab and strength program that got me back on court pain-free, something I honestly didn’t think was possible after struggling with chronic knee pain across my entire professional career. The high-performance environment and support from the team made a huge difference. They treat rehab as a holistic process, not just ticking boxes, which helped me come back stronger both physically and mentally. Shaun constantly checks in and can alter programs or give advice based on what the week or upcoming schedule looks like.
What do you enjoy most about SRA?
SRA is for all athletes – from juniors to full time professionals. I like the mixture of people and the positive, welcoming environment and culture that Shaun and the team have created. I love coming to the gym as there is almost nothing else like SRA in Australia, it is a one of a kind facility from equipment, to a recovery area and the friendly faces in between.
Reflection, Goal Setting & Close Friends:
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would tell my younger self not to be so hard on herself. I don’t need to be perfect, I just need to be real and the best version of myself possible. Keep on smiling and being happy 🙂
What goals do you have for the rest of this year?
For the rest of this year I would like to keep my knee pain free and continue to work on my lower limb strength to prevent this from reoccurring. I want to be happy, have fun playing basketball and see where life takes me!
Are you planning on making a return to the WNBL soon?
I haven’t closed the door on WNBL – if an opportunity arises that suits me and my life I will take it, but I don’t have any pressure on myself to ‘return’. Playing in the WNBL can take a toll on you both physically and mentally. In saying that, I am always open to a conversation or phone call.
Your best friend (and fellow SRA Athlete), Kiera Rowe is getting married soon, is there anything you would like to say to her?
I would say that I am SO excited to stand by her and Angus on the biggest day of their lives so far. I am so proud of her and how far she has come both personally, professionally and as an athlete. I have been involved in both Kiera’s and Angus’ life for a long time and I can’t wait to see the journey that life takes them on.
Epilogue
Rebecca Pizzey has been an athlete with SRA for a little over two years. During this time, it has been a privilege to work closely with Pizzey, helping her navigate the high demands of professional sport for women alongside her physiotherapy career.
Pizz, is one of the most organised athletes we have met, her attention to detail, ability to juggle training and work loads while dedicating the time to get her body right has been inspiring to be part of.
Professionally, Pizz is a young and upcoming Physiotherapist who has committed herself to being the best she can be, it is exciting to watch her grow and develop.
Around SRA, Pizzey is someone who always leads by example and has been an important piece in developing our program and culture.
I am excited to see what the future holds for Rebecca as she continues to develop as a basketball athlete, leader and physiotherapist.
Shaun Atkins – Director of SRA Sports Therapy