In August this year, Ballarat local Laura Taylor packed up her bags and jetted off to start her College career in the United States.
After an impressive break out season in the inaugural NBL1 Season for the Selkirk Ballarat Rush, Taylor signed with the Northwest Florida State Raiders and has since settled in well after moving over last month.
‘It’s great to have the support from everyone back home to make the big move to America to pursue my basketball dreams. It took me a little while to settle in but everything is good now with school and basketball’ Taylor said.
Taylor was really positive around how the inaugural NBL1 Season with the Selkirk Ballarat Rush has set her up well for College Basketball.
“Even though Australian and college basketball is quite different, playing alongside professional athletes like Joy Burke, Chanise Jenkins, Olivia Hackmann and other experienced players has helped me develop and improve in anticipation for this opportunity” Taylor elaborated.
“Having the competition [NBL1] full of these players including many current and former Australian Opals who see the game differently, has assisted me to build my basketball IQ and I have become more confident. Even the education about learning to eat the right foods, structured training, gym work and overall management of my body”
Since her arrival in at Northwest Florida, Taylor has worked hard to adapt to a challenging and different style of play.
“The first couple of weeks I focused on learning a slightly different style of play and gelling with my new teammates but I am up for the challenge and can’t wait for more practice games which start very soon” Taylor ended with.
Taylor will hit the court on Saturday November 2nd at 12.00pm against Walbash Valley College at home which will be in the early hours at 4.00am on Sunday November 3rd in Ballarat (Australia AEST) and streamed online.