Flames star Shyla Heal in Opals squad for FIBA World Cup camp

Star Brydens Sydney Uni Flames point guard Shyla Heal has been named today in the Opals squad to go into camp ahead of the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament in February. 

Heal was named in a 16 strong squad which will now go into training camp in Sydney from January 31 to February 4 before the side is narrowed down to the final 12. 

Heal and Flames co-captain Keely Froling were named in the initial squad in December, but Froling disappointingly didn’t make the 16 despite playing a key role for the Opals winning a bronze at the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup in October. 

For Heal, the selection one step closer to her goal of representing the Opals at the FIBA Women’s World Cup to be played in Sydney on September 22 top October 1. 

“Shyla was a really disappointed to be named a reserve for the (Tokyo) Olympics and it has motivated her even further to make this team,” Boomers great, Flames coach and Shyla’s proud father Shane said on his daughter’s selection. 

 “I think the Opals really need what she provides and I look forward to her showing that.” 

Shyla echoed the sentiment and said she was excited to be headed to camp.

“Obviously I was disappointed in getting a reserve spot for the Olympics and I’m hungry to show what I can do now and how I can help the team,” Shyla said.

“This will be my second Opals camp I’ve been at and I learnt a lot from the first one so I’m looking forward to it.”

The final 12 athletes represent Australia in the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Serbia from February 10-13 where Australia have drawn Korea, Serbia and Brazil in their group.