Another US import inbound for Rush

A WEEK after announcing that Chanise Jenkins will be joining the Selkirk Ballarat Rush for the 2019 season, management have confirmed that fellow countrywoman Olivia Hackmann is also taking the journey with the city’s elite women’s team.

Hackman is Chamois, Missouri native who played her college basketball with the NCAA Division 1 Southeast Missouri State University Redhawks.

The 178cm guard averaged 15 points and seven rebounds per game in her final year and also has career highs including 29 points and 15 rebounds in 2016.

“I am looking forward to meeting new people and making new connection with the Ballarat community,” Hackmann said.

“I am hoping to bring energy and leadership to the Ballarat Rush and I can’t wait to arrive and get into practice and the season.”

The Hackmann and Jenkins signings brings the Rush’s official import quota to two, as the retuning Taiwanese-American Joy Burke is considered an Asian player and exempt under league rules.

Those three guns join Claire Constable and Claire Blower as announced players for the Rush this season.

Rush Head Coach Eric Hayes was glowing on Hackmann’s potential.

“Olivia is a very talented player and a super competitor. She will bring a real competitive spirit to our program on both ends of the court,” he said.

“Offensively she is a very good scorer from all over the floor as she has a nice shot and she is also crafty with moves to the ring. On defence she is a hard worker and very good rebounder.”

Senior Elite Rush chairperson Lynly Doherty said Hackmann filled some holes created by some last season departures.

“With Kristy and Splash not returning for the 2019 Senior Elite season it was important we recruit players that are versatile and lead by example,” she said.

“Olivia displays these qualities and we look forward to seeing her join the likes of Joy, Chanise and our returning local players to bring success to the Selkirk Rush this season.”

Hackmann will arrive in Ballarat mid-February with the still yet to be named elite Victorian league season getting underway on 30 March.

Her signing for the Rush marks the first time Hackmann will have played basketball professionally overseas.