AS A YOUNG basketballer growing up in Shepparton, Shelby Britten aspired to one day join the WNBL's only country Victorian team.
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Now 23 and with a year's experience under her belt last season in the extended Bendigo Spirit training squad, the hard-working and committed point guard has got her wish.
Britten, a former Australian under-17 representative, has become the ninth player to sign with the Spirit for the 2020-21 season, which is scheduled to tip-off in November.
It was during her stint in the Sapphires team in 2012, when Britten and Spirit head coach Tracy York first became acquainted.
The pair were reunited last season after the 5'4" point guard accepted an invitation to train with the Spirit at the end of her US college career at South Carolina-based Newberry College.
"I am beyond excited to join the Spirit for the upcoming year," Britten said.
"Growing up in Shepparton and playing for Vic Country, the Bendigo Spirit was a program I had always aspired to be a part of
"I am grateful that Tracy has given me this opportunity to take that next step.
"I cannot wait to continue to grow my game and learn off two well accredited coaches in Tracy and Mark (Alabakov), as well as a range of experienced players we have on our roster."
Britten, who represented Victoria Country at under-16 and under-18 level, graduated from Newberry College last year, where she averaged 15.1 points per game, including a season-high 31ppg against Lincoln Memorial, and 4.4 assists per game with the Wolves and became their all-time single season three point record holder with 86.
York, who is in her second season with the Spirit, has viewed Britten's development first-hand, and was delighted to see the former Shepparton youngster earn her crack in the national league.
"Shelby moves up to a full roster spot this season as a direct result of her dedication and hard work as a Victoria Country Junior and in the Bendigo Spirit program." she said.
"She is a great example of someone who has the right attitude in achieving her goals."
Britten joins Opals squad member Tessa Lavey, last season's club MVP Carley Ernst, New Zealand Tall Ferns international Mary Goulding, Demi Skinner, Alicia Froling, Cassidy McLean, Paige Price and locally produced development player Piper Dunlop on the Spirit's 2020-21 roster.
Read more: Tall Fern signs with Bendigo Spirit
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