Horvat one step closer to Opals debut

GEELONG United basketballer Chantel Horvat is on the brink of living out her childhood dream of representing Australia on the international stage, after she was named to the Opals’ 19-woman extended FIBA Women’s Asia Cup roster.

Born, raised and again living in Geelong after a collegiate period in Los Angeles and a professional stint in Poland, Horvat said she was speechless to find out she had received the call-up.

“It’s obviously something that I’ve dreamed about since I was a little girl, I’m actually still in shock a bit, but don’t worry I’m super happy at the moment.

“I’m super grateful that they decided to have me on the squad.”

Horvat said she had big goals since she was young but had endured a litany of injuries over the past few years, which temporarily put her dreams on hold.

“I kind of reset my focus to become really present and enjoy the moment.

“It’s really cool now to have this opportunity and I see it as a wonderful way to learn from the best players Australia has to offer.”

Horvat will join five other potential debutants named in the squad alongside 18-year-old Adelaide guard, Isobel Borlase, 2023 WNBA draftee Shaneice Swain, as well as Amy Atwell, Nyadiew Puoch and Chloe Bibby.

She also mentioned playing under new Opals head coach Shannon Seebohm and Cheryl Chambers, two of the most decorated coaches in WNBL history.

“I’ve never met Shannon, but I’ve heard great things about him,” Horvat said.

“I spent a little bit of time with Cheryl when I worked out with the Southside Flyers during COVID-19 before going back to college at UCLA.

“I’m just super-excited to head into camp and soak up all the gems they can give me.”

Horvat returned to the Geelong United Supercats for the first time since 2017 this season, quickly establishing herself as a key cog in Matt Paton’s NBL1 rotation.

The 25-year-old leads the side in scoring (18.7 points per game), ranks second in rebounds (10.3 rebounds per game) and second in assists (2.3 assists per game).

Horvat will need to pass the pre-camp cut, which will reduce the extended squad to 14 players.

From there, the final squad will be trimmed down to 12 at a training camp in a fortnight’s time.

The FIBA Women’s Asia Cup will be held in Sydney from June 26-July 2.