Kelly Wilson won't be on court for the Bendigo Spirit this WNBL season, but that doesn't mean her basketball career is over.
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After 18 years in the league, 35-year-old Wilson is having a break this summer.
"At this point I'm just having a year off. I definitely won't be a part of the Spirit this year,'' Wilson said.
"I'd decided a long time ago that I wouldn't be playing this season and I told the club that.
"The plan is to play again next year. I'm not ready to retire yet. I think I've got a little bit of basketball left in me yet."
Wilson broke the WNBL games record when she played her 395th game late last season before a knee injury forced her to miss the Spirit's final two matches.
She went under the knife for a knee "clean out" and then not long after the NBL1 season was cancelled because of COVID-19.
"I had surgery at the end of last WNBL season in February, so whether I wanted to play with the Braves this year or not, I couldn't have played to start with because of the surgery,'' Wilson said.
"I wouldn't say that I haven't enjoyed missing out, but I guess everyone has been in the same position this year anyway.
"I don't think I'll ever stop being competitive and wanting to play, but that's just the way I am."
While she won't be on court this season, Wilson plans to keep a close eye on how the Spirit performs.
"I'll be watching for sure,'' she said.
"I'm keen to watch my friends play and see what happens in the league.
"I made the decision (not to play) a while ago and I'm happy that I stuck with it."
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Off the court, Wilson is a teacher at Bendigo South East College.
2020 has provided her with challenges she could never have imagined as teachers and students attempt to cope with remote learning.
"We're in a once in a lifetime situation, so I'm not going to complain, but it's not an ideal situation for the kids,'' Wilson said.
"It's not a great environment for them to learn in. It's very hard for the parents as well. I feel for them."
Post her playing career Wilson is interested in taking up coaching.
To what level she's not so sure.
"Hopefully, it (coaching) is in my future,'' she said.
"Chris Hogan and I are heavily involved in the basketball program at Bendigo South East College and I really enjoy that.
"I'd like to close the door on my playing career before I work out what I'm going to do coaching wise.
"I think I'll always be involved in the game in some capacity."
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