Riv on the Record – Alissa Pili (WNBL star)

THIS week I had the great pleasure of being joined by Geelong Venom WNBL star Alissa Pili. Spin it!

You’ve competed at the highest level of basketball in the world with the Minnesota Lynx. What was the biggest “Welcome to the WNBA” moment you experienced during your rookie season?

My welcome to the league moment in the WNBA was playing against some of the greats like Diana Taurasi.

Many fans were surprised and excited to see a player of your calibre sign with the Geelong Venom. What was it about the Geelong program and the lifestyle on the Surf Coast that convinced you this was the right next step?

I was drawn in by the coach Chris; I could tell that he was a genuine person with very good intentions.

I felt like he really showed me that my values were important and that meant a lot to me. It was also a great opportunity to play in a competitive league against some very good players.

 

How are you adjusting to the Geelong way of life”? Have you had a chance to get down to the local beaches or explore the region yet?

I’m adjusting well, I have enjoyed going to the beaches, restaurants & cafes! It’s all so beautiful.I’ve gone down to Torquay, and the Geelong waterfront and it was lovely.

The NBL1 is a physical, fast-paced league. How does the style of play in Australia compare to what you’ve experienced in the US?

I would say the style of play is similar to what I’ve played in the US. That’s why I felt it was a league I could really thrive in and improve my game in.

The refs let more slide, but it makes the game flow better and you learn to play through physicality.

Moving to a new country and a new league can be a tumultuous experience. What have been the biggest hurdles you’ve faced since landing in Victoria, and how have you navigated those challenges?

The biggest hurdles I’ve had to face is injury and being so far away from my family.

Being out for most of the season has been really tough, but through my whole healing process my partner, Tray, was here in Australia to really help me keep a positive mindset and make sure I was doing what was necessary to bounce back from the injury.

I think it was also helpful for me to lean into finding ways to add value to the team while sitting out.

I am a big family person, so keeping in touch with my family through FaceTime and calling helps to keep me from being too homesick!

 

What is the ultimate goal for you during this stint with the Venom? Is it about championship glory, personal development, or something else entirely?

I think for me, the ultimate goal is to get better. To just grow and become a better version of myself. I’ve tried my best to take advantage of every opportunity and to learn from this whole experience.

What’s good about where we live?

I really like the way Geelong is very community based and the basketball world is very tight knit!It’s a really old town vibe, and I think the people are really nice!

RAPID RIV:

I’m coming over for dinner, what are you cooking? Spaghetti.

Favourite movie? The Blind Side.

Pre-game routine? We shoot around, eat, take a nap and prepare for the game.

The toughest opponent you’ve faced? A’ja Wilson.

If you weren’t a basketballer, what would you be doing? I’d probably be a musician like singing, or I’d play another sport like volleyball.