Isabelle Bourne to fulfil "lifelong dream" of playing for Australia

CANBERRA (FIBA U17 Women's Oceania Championship 2017) - The Sapphires have arrived on Guam and are ready to continue the momentum of Australia's youth Women's program.

In the last year, they have taken gold at both the FIBA U17 World Championship 2016 in Spain and the FIBA U18 Women's Oceania Championship 2016, while the U19 Women will take on the world's best at the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup in Italy later this month.

Isabelle Bourne is a new addition to the Sapphires line-up but she's not going to let that hold her back on the floor.

"I feel very honoured to represent Australia. It has been a lifelong dream for me and for it to come true it is an incredible feeling," Bourne told FIBA.basketball. "I am determined to play with no regrets and do what I can to help our team take home the gold."

As a part of Australia's Centre of Excellence program, Bourne is no stranger to the level that is expected from international athletes.

"I expect there to be strong competition, I am ready for this challenge. I am very excited to start playing, this will be a tournament to remember," said the 17-year-old.

She is very confident in her team's ability to challenge for gold.

"I think we have a very athletic, hard working team that are all keen to do their best and proudly represent Australia," she explained.

Australia have been drawn in Pool A with 2016 bronze medallists Samoa, Marshall Islands and Tahiti. In order to progress to the FIBA U18 Women's Asia Championship 2018, they will need to finish the event in gold or silver medal position. If they can do so, they will challenge for one of four (4) FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2019 qualification spots.

Tune in here to watch the action during the tournament.

FIBA