Anderson credits Future Flames for allowing her to achieve dream
The 2024-25 season saw Piper Anderson achieve a lifelong goal of making her WNBL debut with her hometown Sydney Flames.
It was a culmination of years of hard work for the Bankstown Bruins and Sydney Comets talent, which was made possible by her being part of the inaugural Harvey Norman Future Flames program and the pathway it presented to being a professional player.
“The first year of Future Flames was an incredible experience,” said Anderson, who signed as one of the club’s development players alongside Caitlyn Martin.
“It was so much fun playing alongside the girls I’ve grown up with through basketball, which made the whole journey even more enjoyable.
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“Training with some of the best players in NSW pushed me to improve, and I saw significant growth as a player throughout the program.
“One of the highlights was attending HoopsFest, where I had the opportunity to play against WNBL players.
“HoopsFest gave me a deeper understanding of the physicality of the game in the WNBL, as well as the faster pace and higher intensity.
“It really opened my eyes to the differences in the game and what I need to work on to reach that standard.”
Flame #230 Anderson, who is currently starring for the Comets during the NBL1 East season, knows firsthand how beneficial the Future Flames program can be for NSW juniors.
“The biggest thing I learned from Future Flames was the importance of never taking anything for granted, as you never know what opportunities could come out of it,” she said.
“Just like how I ended up getting a development player contract from the program, I never expected that, but when I stepped onto the court, I gave it my all.
“By leaving everything out there, I was rewarded with an incredible opportunity.
“The experience taught me that dedication and hard work can lead to unexpected and rewarding outcomes.
“It also reinforced the value of always staying ready for whatever comes next.”
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Anderson went further to highlight why the 10-week program at Hoops Capital East is so important in creating a legit pathway for the stars of tomorrow into the WNBL.
“A program like Future Flames is crucial for NSW juniors as it provides a great pathway to the WNBL, offering young players the opportunity to develop their skills, gain exposure, and understand the level of commitment required to reach the professional stage,” said the 21-year-old, who echoed the sentiments of Carla Pitman and Caitlyn Martin.
“Without a clear pathway, talented players might struggle to find the right opportunities to progress in their careers.
“The Future Flames bridges that gap by providing elite training, competition, and the chance to play alongside some of the best athletes in the state.
“It also gives players a real sense of what it takes to compete at the highest level, which motivates them to keep working hard and pursue their goals with more determination.
“The program also strengthens the overall talent pool and gives NSW juniors the chance to dream bigger and aim for the WNBL.”
Expressions of interest in the 2025 Harvey Norman Future Flames will open in May, so keep an eye on the Hoops Capital club’s channels.
Stay up to date with all the Hoops Capital club’s off-season news here.