GUAM – In September of last year Jess McDowell-White was preparing to be coached by former Australian representatives at the FIBA Pacific Youth Leaders camp (PYL) – little did she know that just 10 months later she would be putting on a green and gold jersey of her own.

McDowell-White fulfilled a lifelong dream when she was selected as a member of the U17 Women’s Australian team for the FIBA U17 Women’s Oceania Championship 2017 in Guam.

“It's every young kid’s dream to put on the green and gold,” said McDowell-White. “After being selected in AUS camps and squads I knew I worked harder and harder each day that I had a chance of being selected in an Australian team.”

McDowell-White wasn’t satisfied with just making the team, she wanted to go that next step and win it all. She reflects back on her time at the PYL camp and how it helped her achieve this goal.

“The PYL camp definitely helped me make this team and win a gold medal. The camp taught me a lot about leadership both on and off the court as well as interacting with new teammates/coaching staff and improving my skills on the court."

"I was able to use these skills to build relationships with my teammates and coaching staff that I've never met or played with before – I was able to share my knowledge and experience with the girls and also gained a lot from them.”

“I played my role within the team and to my strengths to help us be successful.”

After a golden effort in Guam, McDowell-White is continuing to reach higher and take what she learned at the PYL camp even further.

“I'm currently playing in the QBL (Queensland Basketball League) for the Brisbane lady Spartans, we are sitting in first place with finals around the corner. Hopefully, we can make the final and win gold there as well.”

McDowell-White has achieved so much at such a young age, she plans to graduate high school and then further her career in US college.

No matter where she ends up in the world or what she does, McDowell-White will always be thankful for her chance to wear the green and gold.

“It was an honour and privilege to put on that jersey, and an experience I will remember forever.”

The Pacific Youth Leaders Camp was funded through the Australian government's Pacific Sports Partnership innovation fund.

FIBA