Grand Final Champions Townsville Fire Inspire Next Generation

Students meet WNBL champions Alicia Froling, Catelyn Van Es and Abbey Ellis during special campus visit

Image From left: Townsville Fire Mascot Lola, Townsville Fire Players Catelyn Van Es, Abbey Ellis and Alicia Froling, Ryan Catholic College Principal Candi Dempster, Mascot Roary, Teacher and Basketball Coach Aneka Davis and Teacher and Head of Basketball Corey Davis.

Ryan Catholic College welcomed members of the Townsville Fire to its Senior Campus today to celebrate the team’s recent WNBL Grand Final victory with students and staff.

Principal Candi Dempster said welcoming the five-time WNBL Champions to the College was an exciting moment for the school community.

“To have the Townsville Fire, five-time WNBL Champions, visiting our students today is an incredible opportunity,” Ms Dempster said.

“The Fire are such an important part of the Townsville community and our students have watched their success on the national stage with great pride. To meet the players in person and hear their stories is truly inspiring.

“What makes this visit even more special is the connection we share. Alicia’s mother works here at the College and is a WNBL Life Member and four-time WNBL Championship winner. Catelyn coaches some of our basketball students in the Fire Academy, and Townsville Fire’s CEO Sam Pascoe is a proud Ryan alumnus from the Class of 2004.

“It’s a wonderful reminder of what makes Townsville so special – we’re a community where people support one another and help build the next generation.

“It’s an exciting time for the Townsville Fire and they can guarantee the Ryan community is right behind them. We also hope that one day soon we’ll see the Fire playing in an upgraded arena here in Townsville. That investment would be incredibly important not only for the team’s continued success, but for our city and the many young basketballers in our community.”

Teacher and Head of Basketball Corey Davis said basketball continues to grow strongly at the College.

“Sport is a key part of the experience we offer at Ryan Catholic College, with 70 students involved in our basketball program from Year 5 to Year 12,” Mr Davis said.

“Our players compete at CBSQ tournaments in Brisbane and the Gold Coast against some of the best basketball schools in Queensland.

“Ryan is the only school north of the Sunshine Coast providing students this opportunity for students from Year 5 to 12. From humble beginnings, our program has grown significantly and our players aspire to perform at the same elite level as their Townsville Fire heroes.”

Teacher and Basketball Coach Aneka Davis said basketball can open incredible career opportunities for young athletes.

“Basketball at our College is more than just a sport – it’s about teamwork, resilience, leadership and building a strong community,” Ms Davis said.

“Basketball can also open incredible career opportunities. I was fortunate to play more than 200 games in the WNBL, represent New Zealand at two Olympic Games, and win a Commonwealth Games silver medal.

“Now I have the opportunity to teach and coach the next generation of athletes and share those experiences with our students.”

Townsville Fire CEO Sam Pascoe said inspiring young people across the region was a key part of the club’s role in the community.

“One of the most important roles the Townsville Fire plays in our community is inspiring the next generation,” Ms Pascoe said.

“Visits like this give young people the opportunity to see what is possible through hard work, teamwork and believing in themselves. To have Alicia, Catelyn and Abbey celebrating our fifth championship in our community is such a part of our reason why. 

“The Fire are proud to represent this community, and we love being able to connect directly with schools and young athletes across the region. Today is a reminder that the success of our club belongs to the whole Townsville community, and hopefully we’ve inspired a few future Fire players in the crowd.”

The Townsville Fire are currently undertaking a series of school visits across the region following their championship win. Ryan Catholic College wishes the team continued success and looks forward to cheering them on again next season.