Caoimhe Stupart, 17, from Dalkeith, is aiming to be part of Scottish sporting history on Sunday.
For although she is likely to start on the bench Caoimhe is part of the Caledonian Gladiators pro women’s basketball squad who will seek to become the first from north of the border to win the Super League play off final when they face Sheffield Hatters at London’s )2 Arena.
A guard who plays mainly for the Gladiators development team, Caledonia Blues, Caoimhe has, nevertheless, been on the first team bench five times this season and has had court time on two occasions, including the play off semi final win over Essex Rebels and could well have a role to play once again.
Caoimhe said: “I’ve worked hard all season, training with both the Blues and the pro team, so every opportunity to be on the bench and step onto the court has meant so much to me. To be part of the team that secured the semi-final win was incredible.
“I’m so excited for London this weekend and I know the whole team will give everything to make history for Scotland. Hopefully it also inspires more young people across Scotland to believe they can play professional basketball too.”
Donnie MacDonald, Caledonia Blues Head Coach, said: “Caoimhe is the perfect example of what Caledonia Blues is all about. We want to build a basketball nation by creating a real pathway between community basketball and the professional game. Her journey shows that with hard work, commitment and the right environment, young Scottish players can achieve that dream.”
To reach the finals, where they hope to avenge a defeat by Sheffield in the SLB trophy final in February when seeking to defend a title, Gladiators came from behind to beat Manchester 87-82 in the first of the knock out stages then followed up with a more comfortable 80-58 win over Essex.
Based in East Kilbride, their knock out ties were watched by crowds upwards of 1,000 fans.
The squad blends overseas talent from the likes of France, Canada and USA with home grown players and head coach Chantelle Handy says:
“To reach this stage is a huge moment not just for the club but for women’s basketball in Scotland. We know what’s at stake and after February (and a loss to Sheffield) the players are hungry to put things right.”
The franchise CEO, Tony McDaid, added: “What this team has achieved already is historic but there is a real sense that this is just the beginning.”
- The match will be shown on BBC iPlayer from 1.30 pm on Sunday.
