Altona Gators rising basketball star Cassidy Gould is often told by coach Randy Shanklin to simply “trust the process”.
Gould’s ability to focus on the here and now and not look too far beyond the next training session, upcoming game or even the next play has worked out quite well so far.
The 16-year-old combo guard recently wrapped up the youth league title with the Gators, signed on as a development player with WNBL club Melbourne Boomers and was invited to the (under-19) Australian Gems’ training squad last weekend.
But Gould remains grounded, sticking to that one piece of advice.
“He’s a really good coach,” Gould said.
“He helps us understand the game and to learn to read the game more and not just go through the motions on a play.
“We might have a rough quarter, but just keep believing in what you do and you’ll eventually see the outcome.”
Gould showed her talent in youth league this season.
The Williamstown resident had impressive all-round statistics with averages of 12.9 points, 8.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists and two steals a game.
It was the team’s achievement of winning a title and earning promotion to the top flight that made Gould most chirpy.
“Our team had worked so hard throughout the year,” she said. “We’d come from a pretty rough season the year before.
“It was an amazing feeling to get through the finals and get the win.”
Gould has been an avid follower of the Women’s National Basketball League.
Now the former Williamstown Magic junior is getting a chance to live the life of a WNBL star with the Melbourne Boomers.
“It was a bit of shock and a bit of amazement coming into training with girls I’ve admired watching play as I’ve grown up,” Gould said.
“Being on the court with them and training with them is definitely another opportunity to improve.
“As a young development player, I might not get a game this season – but you never know.”
Gould is not one to indulge too much in considering what her future in the game may look like.
But when pressed on her goals, Gould speaks of her desire to make the Vic Metro under-18 team again, where she hopes she can have a bigger impact with an extra year of basketball under her belt.
And she tells of her ultimate dream of playing “in the WNBL or possibly overseas”.
“You never know what’s going to happen,” said Gould, who looks up to Opals captain and Phoenix Mercury three-time All Star Penny Taylor.
One thing Gould can promise is that she will leave no stone unturned in getting the best out of her ability.
“I just want to improve myself and keep working as hard as I can,” she said.
“Try and get the most out of it and not waste the amazing opportunities I’ve been given.”
Gould is the monthly nominee for the Don Deeble Rising Star Award.
The award is run by Sunshine Western Region Sports Club and
Star Weekly.
Gould will receive $1000 donated by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club and other prizes that will assist her in achieving her sports goals.
The Don Deeble award recognises young athletes in the western suburbs who have achieved outstanding results at a state and/or national level.
Lance Jenkinson
