Steph Reid will be back in a Blues uniform for at least the next two seasons, and there is no other place she would rather be.
“It was never in doubt,” shared Reid on announcing her return to Frankston for the 2020 and 2021 NBL1 seasons. “I don’t get recruited anymore, everyone knows I’m not leaving!”
A former Blues junior herself, Reid has become an integral part of the changing culture and framework that is underpinning the reinvigoration of the program across both the junior and senior levels. Leading a growing number of NBL1 and Big V Youth League players who are giving back to the program through coaching Frankston’s VJBL teams, Reid is currently also coaching the 12.2 Blues girls team while assisting the 16.1 side, and is loving every moment.
“I and investing in Frankston basketball and giving back,” enthused Reid on her love for her beloved Blues. “I’m helping show the pathway, allowing our [junior] players to see the link between what they are doing now and senior basketball, a pathway that can lead to NBL1 and beyond.”
It’s that connection between the players and the juniors that has seen Frankston continually deliver some of the best crowds across the league each week, despite the challenges the women have faced over recent years in delivering on court success.
“We [as players] are role models that are leading them while still playing at a high level too,” Reid further added. “Our NBL1 and Youth League players are coaching the under 12 teams and they also come and see us play. They see us working hard, but also playing and having a lot of fun. They come along to our games and see their coaches play on a weekend, and it helps get them excited while understanding they need to work hard and improve if they want to achieve their best.”
While Reid continues to bleed Blue, she is also currently playing for the ladder-leading Southside Flyers in the WNBL, returning to action last weekend which saw the Flyers earn two more wins against the Townsville Fire and reigning champions Universit of Canberra Capitals.
“That was fun!” explained Reid on her extended court time against the Fire. “I had been out with a quad strain for about 5 weeks, but it is better now. I was not expecting it [the court time], but with Aimee [Clydesdale] sitting out, I got my chance. It was a good confidence boost.”
Reid was excited at the prospect of playing for first year head coach Belinda Snell, also an assistant coach with the Flyers.
“She [Snell] is doing a good job,” added Reid. “The puzzle that she is putting together, is coming along well. The good thing for me is that I have the opportunity to get to know her [with the Flyers] before I play for her [with the Blues].
“To have that relationship established before the season ahead helps. I know how she works and what she is looking for, so thing are looking good.”
Reid finished the 2019 NBL1 season averaging some impressive numbers, providing 21.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game, with her scoring, assists and three-point shooting percentage of 41% placing her in the league’s top 10 in each category. Her offensive production was a distinct improvement from her previous season, highlighted by her league-record 50 point explosion against Launceston.
The fact that the Blues missed out on a finals berth in 2019 is an outcome that irks Reid, explaining the goal for a re-tooled Frankston line up in 2020 would be to take the next step.
“The plan is to contend for finals,” said Reid. “That is definitely the goal.”
Stay tuned to Frankston Blues’ website and social media platforms for more announcements