Future Flames helps Mowbray take game to next level
The first year of the Harvey Norman Future Flames program provided the platform for many of the state’s top rising stars to both elevate their games and also edge closer to playing in the WNBL.
One of those talented NSW juniors was Manly-Warringah’s Sari Mowbray.
The sharp-shooting guard was one of the 25 players selected to take part in coach Renae Garlepp’s inaugural squad, which trained every Thursday for 10 weeks at Hoops Capital East.
“The Future Flames program took off at the perfect time for me,” Mowbray said.
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“Towards the end of the NBL1 East season, it was great to be getting some extra skills in and have feedback from high-level coaches outside of my club.
“It also made sure, while coming into finals season, that we were training against other competitive athletes, and the coaches kept us all accountable to that.
“Going through some of the drills and sets that the Flames run was a great eye opener into the work the girls at a higher level put into their sessions.”
These sessions and a strong showing with the club at Perth’s HoopsFest saw Mowbray selected as one of Sydney’s training players for the WNBL25 campaign – allowing Mowbray to edge closer to achieving her professional dream.
“The Future Flames reminded me of the importance of goal setting and having something to work towards,” the 21-year-old said.
“Our coaches would make us focus on one controllable aspect of our game each week, such as sprinting to a spot, hustling every rebound or getting up and in on defence.
“They would check in throughout the session on how we were meeting that goal.
“Since Future Flames, I’ve been working on setting goals for myself in all of my sessions.”
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Having experienced the beneficial program herself, Mowbray encourages all other rising stars in NSW to get involved in the program.
“Recently, there’s been a shift of more girls choosing to stay in Australia rather than go to college, and the Future Flames creates a pathway for people who choose that route,” she said.
“It helps with skill development, strength training and was a great way to get quality feedback from a number of different high-level coaches.”
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.