Lauren Jackson AO OLY to head up Women and Girls Strategy
Basketball Australia today announced a new strategic role for Lauren Jackson AO OLY where she will focus on the Women and Girls Strategy delivering outcomes in gender equality in our sport.
Lauren has been leading the WNBL, Australia’s premier women’s basketball league for the past two years focusing on greater professionalism and sustainability of the League.
Under her leadership, the WNBL has posted record broadcast numbers, signed off on an inaugural Collective Bargaining Agreement and introduced the first ever Total Player Payment System.
Lauren has a passion for promoting and elevating women in sport whether that be through them playing, coaching, refereeing, or administering the game. In addition to her stellar playing career, Lauren has pursued academic qualifications in gender and diversity to further enhance her ability to enact change.
Reporting to the CEO Lauren will have direct responsibility for delivering the Women and Girls Strategy, Government relations and broader strategic partnerships.
Matt Scriven CEO of Basketball Australia said “The Women and Girls Strategy is of the highest priority for our organisation, and we are committed to increasing visibility, enhancing environments, and improving pathways and access. I’m excited to announce that Lauren, an emerging executive leader, will bring this strategy to life with her passion and genuine care for women and will drive meaningful outcomes that significantly impact our sport.”
On Sunday Lauren was officially enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the only Australian player to hold the honour. It is her passion to provide the same opportunities for others that now drives her.
Lauren said, “I’m incredibly honoured to become a Hall of Famer, I’m speechless to be honest, I started my playing journey wanting to be the best player I could be, now my focus is to ensure success for the next generation of girls.”
“There is no doubt we have a lot to do to close the gender gap and provide more opportunities for women and girls, as a sport we aren’t alone. Having spent time working with all levels of governments I’m very heartened by their commitment to putting numbers to success and funding programs that make a difference. In my new role the goal is simple, provide more opportunities for more girls through funding, advocacy, resourcing and mentoring.”
Lauren Jackson Career Highlights
- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer
- First Australian to be selected with the No 1 overall pick in the WNBA.
- Named as an All-Star seven times during her career
- Two WNBA championships
- Three WNBA most valuable player
- Four-time Olympian (3 x silver, 1 x bronze medal)
- Four-time FIBA World Championships – (1 gold, 2 bronze)
- Commonwealth Gold Medallist- 2006
- WNBL- 6 championships
- Bachelor’s degree in Gender and Diversity- University of Canberra
- Head of Women in Basketball- Basketball Australia