Townsville Fire captain sets record alight

In a record-breaking Australian first, the JCU Townsville Fire’s captain has overcome a season marred by injury and family illness to be named the Women’s National Basketball League’s most valued player for the fifth time.

Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni congratulated Suzy Batkovic, who was today awarded a fifth title, surpassing previous joint record-holder Lauren Jackson’s four.

“Queenslanders know this state is a powerhouse for sport, and north Queensland contributes more than their fair share, so it’s fantastic to see the first player to win five MVP titles coming from the Townsville Fire,” Mr de Brenni said.

“Last year, Suzy was named MVP for the fourth time, which only one player has done before.

“Now she’s gone one better, and I hope a new generation of girls will look to Suzy for inspiration, pick up a basketball and get on the court.”

Ms Batkovic said the second half of the season was difficult after her mother, who she described as her ‘biggest, craziest supporter’ fell ill.

“It was probably a little bit tough for me from the December period onwards,” Ms Batkovic said.

“My Mum was struck with some illness, which stopped me from training for five weeks.

“I stayed home, and I was at hospital with her, and just flew back for games. Every game day was hard, and credit to my team mates that they didn’t let that be a distraction.

“It shows the quality of the group – we handle adversities in a positive way and they did a great job of that.”

Ms Batkovic also paid tribute to her teammates, and credited her successes on and off court to the friendships she’d formed within the team.

“I've played with Mia and Mic for the longest time I've been here. They’re both great people, and we’ve formed a friendship over the years.

“I guess you learn about people and you form those friendships, and that's the great thing about being in team sport. I can't thank those people enough.”

Member for Mundingburra Coralee O’Rourke said teams like the Townsville Fire not only produce champions but also great community leaders.

“Off the court, the Fire are involved in more than 50 community activities each season,” Ms O’Rourke said.

“The work the Fire do with their Youth Engagement Program for girls in foster care and semi-independent living is so important and the benefits for the girls they work with will be life long.”

Mr de Brenni said the team's achievements underlined the need for quality, accessible sporting facilities for girls and women at every level.

“We’ve seen what sporting teams can contribute – you only have to look to the Fire’s new training base at NRL Cowboys House to see how sports can change lives off the field as well as on,” Mr de Brenni said.

“As Minister for Sport, I’m committed to ensuring that every girl in Queensland has the facilities they need to get involved in sports and continue playing long term.” 

JCU Townsville Fire is the only professional women’s sporting club of any code north of the Sunshine Coast and represents positive, healthy, female role models to the North Queensland community. 

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