Shelley’s class act turns first day of school into lifelong memory

FOR most students, the first day of school is filled with plenty of nerves and excitement, and for Olivia Adams, it came with a visit from her basketball hero.

Following Geelong Venom’s home clash with Adelaide, Adams met co-captain Jaz Shelley during the post-match autograph session and asked if the WNBL player would attend her first day of prep at Christian College Geelong’s Bellarine campus.

Sure enough, Shelley agreed and met her at the gates as the final bell rang for the day, making the beginning of Adams’ primary school life even more memorable.

“I felt a little bit nervous at first, but then my heart felt really happy,” she told this newspaper.

“I couldn’t believe my eyes and I gave Jaz a big cuddle.”

Adams is a massive Venom fan and attends every home game she can to see Shelley in action.

She looks up to the star point guard both on and off the court.

“[Shelley] is a really good person, very kind and an amazing basketball player.

“My favourite thing is when she shoots from the half-court line.”

The five-year-old has just gotten into playing basketball herself, with incredible role models such as Shelley sure to lead her in the right direction.

She expressed her appreciation for the heartwarming gesture.

“It was the best day ever!

“Thank you so much, Jaz, for coming. You made us all feel so special.”

Shelley reached 50 WNBL games in the Venom’s clash against Sydney, and will lead her side out for the final time this season tomorrow (Saturday, February 7) against the UC Capitals.