Serena studied at BDC from Year 7 in 2014 and left after completing Year 9. She had been playing Nationals since the age of 13 and has continued to only get better as the years go on.  Her promising career led her to being offered a scholarship at Barker College, a boarding school in Sydney, where they have focused basketball programs.

Serena then travelled to the United States to complete a successful campaign playing college basketball at South Plains College, Texas. After returning to her birth town in South Australia, she continued her studies and played for the Woodville Warriors.

As a proud Aboriginal woman, Serena Waters, had her basketball dreams shattered when she tore her ACL, but thanks to her never-give-up attitude and AFL SportsReady traineeship, she found hope. In fact she injured her ACL twice; one right after the other, 6 months apart.

To aid in her recovery, her mother Megan, suggested for Serena to take on a traineeship with the Commonwealth Bank in Kilkenny, Adelaide, while studying a Certificate III in Business. At the same time Serena was able to complete her Year 12 studies by correspondence.

She says, “I chose to play for Woodville because I believe that it has a growing program that I’m excited to be a part of.  Prior to college, I was exposed to Coach La Mott’s coaching style and I am really looking forward to the season because of that. I believe that Woodville is building an inclusive culture and I can’t wait to contribute to this, as I have a younger brother, Ron who plays for Woodville as well, and I would love for him to experience this culture and environment. I have always been impressed by the WDBC's commitment to supporting cultural awareness through participating in NAIDOC week and the Indigenous Basketball Academy. I have felt supported not only as a player but as an Indigenous woman. “

Serena will be attending university in Adelaide studying for a Bachelor of Media and Communications. Journalism has always been a dream of hers, to be able to spread awareness on issues that are challenging to talk about. 

Well done, Serena; another BDC success.