Kitty’s courtside class

By Amanda Lulham for the Daily Telegraph. Original story available here: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/sport/basketballer-kitty-henderson-sitting-pretty-with-sydney-uni-flames/news-story/5dc1970b4ea1a26fccb83d6f915c7f64

For most players it’s the worst seat in the house and to be avoided at all cost.

But for young basketballer Kitty Henderson sitting on the Sydney Uni Flames’ bench for her first WNBL match was a dream come true.

Henderson was picked up as a Flames development player earlier this year and elevated into the playing squad for Friday’s match between the inner west-based club and Perth Lynx.

And while she did not take the court at Sydney Uni Aquatic Centre, Henderson still made the most of her courtside opportunity.

“I’m still so excited it happened,” said the 17-year-old student.

“I didn’t get to go on the court but it was so cool to pull the uniform on and warm-up with the girls.”

The Flames’ bid for a third straight home victory was thwarted by Lynx with the Perth side winning the match 82-91. The development program is to provide a constant stream of talent to the Sydney Flames, a club that last won the WNBL crown just three seasons ago.

Henderson originally played netball but was spotted by a basketball coach and asked to give the game a try.

“I didn’t really want to do it at first but I just loved it,” she said.

“One of my goals in the future is to be in a WNBL team.

“To be able to train with them and see their dedication and the training required as a development player, I just learn so much.”

Henderson travels to the inner west for training with the Flames two to three times a week. And she may have the opportunity to be courtside again sooner rather than later if Flames guard Tahlia Tupaea misses another game through injury.

The Flames are on the road in round seven with a match against Bendigo Spirit on Friday and then the Melbourne Boomers just a day after.