Rotunno finding her voice as captain ahead of WNBL season

GEELONG United point guard Lilly Rotunno is relishing the challenge of leading a youthful NBL1 South side as she continues to establish herself in the WNBL with the Geelong Venom.

Rotunno was appointed captain of United this season and recently re-signed with the Venom after breakout campaigns at both levels.

The dynamic guard is averaging a career-best 20.1 points a game this season and has helped steer United through a difficult opening stretch.

After losing their first seven matches, Geelong has won two of its past four games, with Rotunno saying the group’s chemistry is beginning to click.

“We’re very young and that comes with having less experience on court, but I think it’s just more of us learning how to play together,” she said.

“It obviously took us a bit longer than we’d hoped to string together those two wins, but everything’s going to be a learning experience for us.

“The biggest thing for us is just to not immediately think the worst. Basketball has so many highs and lows, and I think the only way to deal with it is just to ride through and come out the other end.”

Rotunno said captaining the side at just 22 would be valuable experience as her career progresses.

“It’s not something I was expecting first signing here,” she said. “Being 22 and a captain of the team, it definitely is something, but I also don’t put a whole lot of weight on it as a point guard.

“I’m already having to be a pretty vocal person and be a director and lead the group.”

“It’s important to me to be a good captain and someone people want to play with. So it’s definitely been good for me.”

Looking ahead to the WNBL season, Rotunno said Geelong’s strong community connection played a major role in her decision to remain with the Venom.

“I love playing here and it’s become a little home of mine,” she said.

“Building a reputation for myself here and the relationships I’ve built here is just something that I think was one of the biggest things that kept me around.”

The appointment of highly regarded coach Cheryl Chambers has only reinforced that choice.

“She’s obviously got great experience,” Rotunno said. “I’ve had a few chats with her and I think just learning off of her, especially in this off-season before we even start, is something that I’m really taking importance in.

“I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about her and I’ve never worked with her before, so it’s also something new, something different and something I’m looking forward to.”

As she prepares for her second WNBL season, Rotunno hopes to cement her place in the Venom rotation and help the club secure its first finals berth.

“Based on last year, we’re going to keep getting better and make a run to make the finals this season,” she said.

“Just working my arse off and getting better is going to be my biggest thing going into the season.

“Last season I only really got the opportunity because of injuries … and I took that opportunity – I proved to others and more to myself that I can play.

“The biggest thing I can do regardless of any external factors and especially in this league and with basketball is that I’m going to back myself all the way really.”