Chargers stalwart to lead Big V women

A FAMILIAR face will assume the role as the lone head coach of the Surfcoast Basketball Association’s senior women’s side in 2024, with more familiar faces set to return this season.

Appointed in October, former co-coach Stef Grayson has announced Jess Scannell as a playing assistant coach for the 2024 campaign.

“I’ve been part of SBA for a few seasons now, the first and second Big V women’s seasons and Country Basketball League since the start of the 21/22 season,” Grayson said following her coaching announcement.

“There is so much potential within SBA, and seeing it grow over the last 2 years and what we have to look forward to as the club grows is exciting for myself and the region.

“Wouldn’t want to be anywhere else in 2024. We had a stellar season in 2023 and we are looking to back that up again in 2024.”

Scannell is a Chargers captain and a 2023 Big V All Star 5 member.

Scannell, a “natural leader” according to Grayson, will provide benefits to Grayson’s coaching style both on and off the court.

“Having that player’s point of view from the get-go is going to be really good and really helpful for me,” Grayson said.

“I have no doubt she will continue garnering the respect of the players in the new position, so if there’s anything we need to work on I know I can, and the players can trust her to relay that information.

“For me it was really a no-brainer and it’s only going to make us stronger as a squad.”

Star guard Cortney Hollowood, Angelique Hooiveld, Alex Trezise, and Molly Kent have all committed to the Chargers in 2024.

The Chargers will also have a large array of reserves players at its disposal, with the introduction of a Youth League women’s side for the first time in the program’s history.

Grayson said a younger pool of players was a valuable asset for a senior program’s ongoing development, particularly towards the end of the season to mitigate potential injuries.

The Youth League women’s team will be led by new coach Craig Jarvis.