Pitman’s proof that Future Flames is pathway to WNBL
Twelve months ago, Carla Pitman had just wrapped up her first WNBL season with the Sydney Flames as a development player.
Heading into that off-season, her main focus was to excel for her Norths Bears in NBL1 East and hopefully re-join the Hoops Capital club.
But with the launch of the Harvey Norman Future Flames, it created another pathway for young NSW women to the WNBL.
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“Very early on, it was evident that the Future Flames was a competitive environment, allowing us to play with and against all the other young and talented players we have in NSW every week,” Flame #223 Pitman said.
Each Thursday (for 10 weeks) at Hoops Capital East, Pitman and 30 of the state’s top junior females took part in the inaugural season of the Future Flames.
After impressing during the intensive session, Pitman was selected as one of the Future Flames to travel to Perth for the first-ever HoopsFest.
During matches against the Perth Lynx and Adelaide Lightning, Pitman was one of the standouts for Renae Garlepp’s side, so much so that upon her return to the harbour city, she was offered a spot on the team’s 10-person roster.
“The creation of the Harvey Norman Future Flames program has been incredible, as a way of developing all that great talent we have in that state, and Carla is a prime example of that,” said Flames coach Guy Molloy when Pitman was unveiled as a WNBL25 signing.
“She well and truly held her own at HoopsFest, and based on that and her performances during the pre-season, we thought we would be an ideal candidate for the last spot on our roster.”
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Fast forward, and not only did Pitman hold her own during her first fully contracted season in the WNBL, but she excelled, going on to be named the Flames’ Co-Defensive Player of the Year (alongside Isabella Brancatisano), as well as winning both the Coaches Award and the Hardest Working Player Award.
Upon reflecting on her amazing rise, Pitman highlighted how beneficial the Future Flames program was in providing an avenue for her to achieve her dreams.
“The Future Flames is an amazing program for up-and-coming NSW players, as it’s a great way to improve in a professional environment alongside other athletes,” Pitman said.
Watch the club’s Harvey Norman Future Flames video via Sydney Flames’ YouTube channel above. While you’re there, be sure to hit subscribe, to ensure you never miss out on any of our great videos.
“It bridges the gap between transitioning from junior basketball to a professional career, which is so important for players who don’t want to go to college but want to continue their basketball career.
“It provided me the platform to take that next step in my career, and I couldn’t recommend the program any more to other aspiring female basketballers in NSW.”
Expressions of interest in the 2025 Harvey Norman Future Flames will open on 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.