Brigitte Ardossi is a former winner of the Don Deeble Rising Star Award. 84402_15 Picture: DAMIAN VISENTINI
By LIAM TWOMEY
BRIGITTE Ardossi has the sort of attitude all young athletes should strive to develop.
While growing up in Werribee, Ardossi tried out for every Basketball Victoria state team from the under-16s but was repeatedly told she wasn’t good enough.
The knockbacks did nothing to halt her love for the game though and only inspired her to work harder.
It wasn’t until the under-20 age group where she was finally recognised for her outstanding talent.
But it you thought that is where her journey ends, think again.
Ardossi has gone on to have an outstanding career in the sport which to date has included spending four years playing for American College side Georgia Tech, being drafted to the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA and playing professionally in France.
The now 25-year-old said she always knew she wanted to play basketball at the highest level.
“It wasn’t funny at the time I’ll tell you that. It was quite disheartening,” she said of the knockbacks.
“I have the type of personality I guess that if it’s something you really want to do then you don’t let anybody tell you no.
“My brother went to college and I always wanted to go to college. I always wanted to play professional basketball and I thought well if nobody wants me here I might as well go over there where I had a bunch of colleges wanting to sign me for four years.”
While her talents were not initially recognised by state selectors, one group which was confident in Ardossi’s ability was the Sunshine Western Region Sports Club which named Brigitte a monthly winner of its Don Deeble Rising Sports Star Award.
She was presented with a trophy and a cheque from the Yarraville Club Cricket Club who sponsors the award.
Shortly after being nominated Ardossi began her college career and said moving from Australia to America took some getting used to.
“You’re 18 and we are already pretty independent when we are in high school. You go over there and there are still girls who have never really had a job,” she said.
“There is a lot more restriction on what you’ve got to do, you’re not as independent. Your whole day is planned out for you and I think that was the adjustment rather than doing things in your own time.
“I would recommend every player regardless of their skill level go to college just to experience the college system.”
After travelling the world, Ardossi returned to Australia last year to play for the Canberra Capitals in the WNBL as well as playing for the Altona Gators in the Big V basketball competition.
The Don Deeble award continues to support athletes who have achieved outstanding results at a state and national level from across the western suburbs.
For more information or to nominate a recipient contact the Star News Group’s sports department via email on starsport@starnewsgroup.com.au or call 9933 4800.
