SHAYDEN Russell might have been named the 2025 Limestone Coast Academy of Sport Athlete of the Year but while she is determined to get the best out of herself as an athlete across two sports, there is a simpler, deeper reason the teenager is so engaged with sport.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat I love most about the sports I play is the people and the friendships that come with them,\u201d Shayden said. \u201cThrough netball and basketball, I have formed countless lifelong friendships that I value deeply. Many of these connections extend beyond the court, and I have stayed in touch with friends from different teams and regions over the years.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhether I am visiting Adelaide or competing against them, seeing familiar faces always reminds me of how sport brings people together. These relationships, along with the sense of belonging and support within my teams, are what make playing sport so meaningful to me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Some of those relationships have been built at the academy that at the end of last year adjudged her not just the 2025 Basketball Athlete of the Year but the overall Athlete of the Year.<\/p>\n
Shayden Russell secured the top gong as a result of her outstanding performances and leadership.<\/p>\n
A five-year academy member, she never misses a session and contributes to the basketball community through umpiring and junior coaching.<\/p>\n
Her achievements include selection in the Pioneers Train-On Squad and representing South Australia Country at the U18 National Championships and her consistency, professionalism, and commitment make her a true role model.<\/p>\n
And there is no doubt five years in the program has helped progress her career and developed her as one of the brightest rising stars in the region.<\/p>\n
\u201cThroughout this time, I have developed a strong understanding of how to properly fuel my body to perform at my best,\u201d Shayden said. \u201cThe academy has supported me in many ways, helping compete in the Australian Country Junior Basketball tournament six times and one national championship.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe most valuable aspects of being part of the academy program have been the support, education, and opportunities it has provided. Through the program, I have gained a deeper understanding of athlete wellbeing, particularly the importance of proper nutrition, recovery, and mental resilience.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe academy has also offered high-quality training environments and access to experienced coaches, which have helped me develop both my skills and confidence. Overall, the program has played a significant role in my growth as an athlete and has helped me achieve success at the state and national levels.\u201d<\/p>\n
In the same vein as many young regionally based athletes, Shayden was not just basically born with a ball in her hand \u2013 she has been juggling basketball and netball from a young age.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have been involved in basketball from a very young age, starting to play at just two years old,\u201d she said. \u201cI progressed through the junior development program before moving through the under 10s, under 12s, under 14s, under 17s, and eventually into A-grade.<\/p>\n
\u201cI currently play for the Cougars and the Mount Gambier Lakers and have also represented SA Country multiple times and had the opportunity to travel to Brisbane to compete at the National Championships, which was an incredible experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have also been lucky enough to be a training partner for the Mount Gambier Pioneers, which has also taught me many things and developed my basketball skills to the next level.\u201d<\/p>\n
State representation has certainly been the pinnacle of her basketball career thus far.<\/p>\n
\u201cI love competing against the best of the best, meeting new people, and building a stronger relationship with my teammates and coaches,\u201d Shayden said. \u201cThese (other State) teams are so talented, so it was amazing to see where SA County was with our development.\u201d<\/p>\n
She has also been on a netball court since a young age as well, starting as a six year old, representing the Mid South East Netball Association at multiple SA Country Championships and emerging as one of the next generation that will be charged with building on the Kalangadoo Netball Club legacy.<\/p>\n
\u201cA major highlight of my netball has been winning premierships with my Kalangadoo teammates, as these moments reflect the hard work, commitment, and strong team culture we have built together,\u201d Shayden said. \u201cThese experiences have been incredibly rewarding and have motivated me to continue striving to improve and achieve more in my netball journey.\u201d<\/p>\n
And her resume across both sports, when it comes top individual accolades, is impeccable.<\/p>\n
She was awarded the 2025 Sally Jane Allen-Trisha Flett Memorial Award for the best junior player in the SECBL competition and has a raft of club netball trophies and was the 2025 17 & Under MSENA runner up best and fairest.<\/p>\n
While there is no doubt, Shayden has done a mountain of work to continue her improvement on both the basketball and netball court, she does have two very talented parents, Kurt and Melissa Russell, who not only have passed on some impressive genes but also provide plenty of support.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe biggest influences on my sporting career so far have undoubtedly been my parents,\u201d she said. \u201cMy mum and dad are my greatest supporters and have played an essential role in everything I have achieved. They have consistently gone above and beyond for me, from driving me to Adelaide almost every weekend to supporting me at games, training sessions, and gym workouts.<\/p>\n
\u201cTheir unwavering commitment, encouragement, and belief in me have made it possible for me to pursue opportunities in both basketball and netball, and I am incredibly grateful for everything they do.\u201d<\/p>\n
But there have been other voices lending their support, advice and expertise.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have also been fortunate to be guided by a wide range of coaches across both sports throughout my journey,\u201d Shayden said. \u201cEach coach has contributed to my development in their own unique way, whether through improving my technical skills, challenging me to push beyond my comfort zone, or helping me grow mentally and emotionally as an athlete.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe guidance, knowledge, and support I have received from these coaches have been instrumental in shaping me into the athlete I am today.\u201d<\/p>\n
There is no doubt having access to the Pioneers program has been invaluable for Shayden\u2019s development, being involved on a club that is part of an elite national competition.<\/p>\n
\u201cTraining alongside highly talented athletes, including players who have gone on to represent Australia at the Olympic level, has taught me the importance of hard work, dedication, discipline, and staying true to myself,\u201d she said. \u201cThese experiences have also reinforced the value of looking after my body, particularly through proper nutrition and recovery, to perform at a high level.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her netball experiences also value-adding to Shayden\u2019s development as an athlete.<\/p>\n
\u201cRecently, working in an environment surrounded by highly accomplished netballers who have competed in the Suncorp Super Netball league has been incredibly inspiring,\u201d she said. \u201cHearing about their experiences, the sacrifices they made, and the standards required to compete at an elite level has given me valuable insight and motivation.<\/p>\n
\u201cTheir advice and perspective have helped shape my mindset, strengthened my ambition, and encouraged me to continue striving for higher levels in netball as well as basketball.\u201d<\/p>\n
Of course the question about which sport would take precedence, if and when, the time came to have to prioritise one pathway, Shayden is a little conflicted.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am still exploring which sport I ultimately want to pursue,\u201d she said. \u201cI am equally passionate about both basketball and netball, and each offers different opportunities and challenges.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt present, basketball provides more accessible pathways in my region, including programs such as the academy, Pioneers, CBL, and SECBL, all of which offer high-level competition and development.<\/p>\n
\u201cNetball, while just as important to me, presents fewer local opportunities to consistently progress to higher levels.<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe the decision between the two will become clearer once I move away for university, where I will have broader exposure and opportunities in both sports. Until then, my goal is to continue developing my skills, staying competitive, and making the most of every opportunity in both basketball and netball.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
SHAYDEN Russell might have been named the 2025 Limestone Coast Academy of Sport Athlete of the Year but while she is determined to get the best out of herself as an athlete across two sports, there is a simpler, deeper reason the teenager is so engaged with sport. \u201cWhat I love most about the sports […]<\/p>\n