3-Time WNBL Coach of the Year to lead Southside Flyers

July 30, 2019 | Southside Flyers news

In a major coup for the WNBL’s newest team, the Southside Flyers have appointed three-time WNBL Coach of the Year, Cheryl Chambers, as their inaugural Head Coach.

“We are delighted that our team will be led by one of the most successful and respected coaches in Australian basketball. Cheryl not only understands the game; she is passionate about the sport and developing role models both on and off the court. Cheryl is respected, has credibility and will bring success and immediate recognition to our program,” said Gerry Ryan OAM, the owner of the Southside Flyers.

Cheryl, who led the Sydney Uni Flames to the WNBL Championship in the 2016/17 season and has since returned to Melbourne, is excited about returning to coaching in the WNBL and being an integral part of a fresh new team.

“I love coaching and wanted to coach in the WNBL again, it was a matter of finding the right opportunity. To be part of a new basketball team and to be able to work with Gerry Ryan and develop a successful squad from the ground up is very exciting and I am really looking forward to an exciting era for everyone involved.

“We will be working to develop a team that is successful on and off the court, a team the community and Victorian basketball will be very proud of. The Southside Flyers will be about the community and women’s sport,” Cheryl said.

Chambers is an Assistant Coach with the Australian Opals, our National Women’s Basketball team. She was the Head Coach of the Australian Under-19 National Team (Gems) for three years as well as previously being an assistant coach for the Women’s National Team between 2005 and 2007, during which time the team won a Commonwealth Gold Medal.

Prior to developing an extensive and successful coaching record, Chambers played over 250 games for Melbourne Clubs in the WNBL. Her standing in the game is recognised by her Life Membership of the WNBL.

“This is a new team, with fresh faces and fresh plans and we are fortunate to be taking over from an iconic Australian Women’s Basketball team. While we will be making our own future as the Southside Flyers, having the support and history developed over many years by the Dandenong Rangers will give us a strong base from which to grow,” added Chambers.