Illawarra U14 Girls Finish Strong at 2025 Club Nationals in Perth

The Illawarra Hawks U14 Girls have returned from the 2025 Basketball Australia U14 Club Championships in Perth after a huge week representing Basketball Illawarra.

Led by Head Coach Maddison Delaney, the team competed against the top 24 clubs in Australia at Willetton Basketball Stadium, in Perth. The Hawks finished 17th overall (5th in the Shield Division) after closing out their campaign with a hard-fought win over Manly Warringah in their final classification game. This result reflected their growth and resilience throughout the week.

Delaney praised her group’s development and character across the tournament:

“Representing Basketball Illawarra at the U14 Club Nationals is a very special achievement for the Club each year we qualify – and in 2025, we were very excited and proud to continue our rich history on behalf of Basketball Illawarra. Thank you to the athletes, parents, siblings, sponsors, and volunteer coaching staff for all of your efforts in making this season the very best it could be. Our time in Perth concluded an extended 12-month season for a very young group of athletes who have consistently competed, worked hard, and represented Basketball Illawarra with the highest level of respect, professionalism, and culture. I am extremely proud of their development across the entire year. This group of young female athletes have grown tremendously as players and, more importantly, as people. As a coach, I couldn’t have asked for a better group of athletes and parents to work with. Thank you to everyone who made our season possible — our family support network, sponsors, donors, and the wider Illawarra community.”

Thank You to Our Sponsors and Supporters

The Illawarra Basketball Association would like to thank the local businesses and families who made this trip possible through their generous sponsorship and fundraising support:

Major & Team Sponsors

• Enhanced Building

• RJE Electrical Solutions

• Cooks Confectionery

• DeSantis Decorating

Individual Player Sponsors

• Mac & Me Industries

• RJE Electrical Solutions

• Coal Cove Contracting

• Days Industrial

• EcoAid

• A&Z Kitchens

• Raise Performance

• Next Level Basketball

• Litani’s Restaurant

A special thanks also goes to all families who organised and ran bake sales, BBQs, car washes, and the Free-Throw-A-Thon at the Snakepit.

Your generosity and support allowed these young athletes to travel, compete, and experience basketball at the highest junior level in Australia.

IBA would also like to thank Head Coach Maddison Delaney and her staff, all parents and families who supported the team, and the wider Illawarra community who helped make the trip possible.

The pride shown by this group is a reflection of the hard work across our junior representative pathway.

Congratulations again to all players and staff — you’ve done the Illawarra proud.