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Rotunno said captaining the side at just 22 would be valuable experience as her career progresses.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“I’m already having to be a pretty vocal person and be a director and lead the group.”<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“I love playing here and it’s become a little home of mine,” she said.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
The appointment of highly regarded coach Cheryl Chambers has only reinforced that choice.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“Based on last year, we’re going to keep getting better and make a run to make the finals this season,” she said.<\/p>\n
“Just working my arse off and getting better is going to be my biggest thing going into the season.<\/p>\n
“Last season I only really got the opportunity because of injuries … and I took that opportunity \u2013 I proved to others and more to myself that I can play.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 […]<\/p>\n