Author: Sam Hargrave

Last season’s Player’s Player of the Year, Elise Tweedie, is ‘super excited’ to be representing the Riders again this season after returning for another year.

Riders Women’s opening fixture of the campaign is away to Oaklands Wolves on the 29th of September in the Super League Basketball Trophy.

Ahead of the new season, Tweedie provided an insight into pre-season and how herself and the squad is shaping up ahead of a fresh year.

When asked about pre-season Tweedie answered, “pre-season has been good so far. The group that we have is progressing well and we are working on new things.”

The Riders announced their latest signing last week, Brittany Hodges, who makes her return to British basketball.

The American forward played for the South Adelaide Panthers over the summer and has had experience in British basketball, having had played for Sevenoaks Suns in the 2022-23 season.

“Britt is super experienced and so far provides great vibes and she is very much a professional,” said Tweedie.

Head Coach Ben Stanley began his tenure on the 5th of July 2023 and has been hard at work with this new group ahead of his second season at the reins. “Ben is super focused on what he wants us to achieve so that is nice to be lined with direction and drive,” acknowledged Tweedie.

The former Caledonia Pride centre will complete her master’s degree at Loughborough University whilst also lining up on their roster for the season.

Tweedie said: “I am super excited for the upcoming season. Loughborough is the best university in the world for my course which is insane, and I know that people would love to be in my position. I am super grateful for that opportunity.”

The Scot’s season last year was unfortunately cut short due to injury; however Tweedie is more than ready for the upcoming campaign.

“I was not happy with how the season was for me. I started to get out of that dip just as I got injured which is such bad timing, but I showed glimpses of what I could do and what my role should be in the team.”

Tweedie added: “Knowing I was on the right path before my injury gives me confidence coming back now to know that I was in a good place before the injury, I have rehabbed, I have got a better idea of my role this year and hopefully I can filter that into this year and get off to a good start.”

Tweedie’s high standards on and off the court last season resulted in her being awarded the Player’s Player of the Year award, a gesture that the 6’4” centre appreciates greatly.

“That is always a nice award to be given. To know that my teammates value what I bring outside of points and rebounds or statistics whether that is just being there for each other like trying to bring good energy, hype people up and be a shoulder for my teammates. For me that is more important, it means a lot because I know I am going in the right direction.”

Tweedie provided a very reassuring and confident evaluation on how the squad is shaping up ahead of the season opener against Oakland Wolves on the 29th of September.

She noted a difference in the mentality of players returning to the roster from last season, especially in young star Katie Januszewska (KJ).

“KJ’s mentality seems different this year, she seems as if she is extra ready to go, maybe a little more fired up. She has that confidence within herself, and she is so good for us.

“Shahd [Abboud] too. She’s locked in. She brings so much expertise to the game, and she’s a true professional so to have that on the team is super nice.”

Tweedie was also named the BUCS Sport Premier North Conference Most Improved Player for the 2023/24 season.

“Of course it is nice to get an award where people recognise the improvements because sometimes the days feel like a drag, you are in the gym, getting shots up, you are sore, you are tired, you had class etc. This award makes it easier and reminds you of why you are doing these things.”

Talking about this season’s goals and hopes Tweedie said: “I want to be more self-confident; I want to be more present and just continue to express gratitude for the situation that I am in.

“This is the last year of my masters; I am playing the sport I love. You never know what is going to happen.”