Brydens Sydney Uni Flames Head Coach Shannon Seebohm has been named the WNBL’s Coach of the Year after an outstanding first season with the Sydney side.
The announcement was made today at the WNBL Awards Luncheon held at the AIS in Canberra. Seebohm, who was a rookie WNBL coach this season took the reins at the Flames and guided his team well into finals before falling just short in a nail biter to the Bendigo Spirit in the Preliminary Final.
After an incredible 5-1 start to the season, Seebohm looked set to have an easy ride, however with many talented teams in the competition and injuries to Mikaela Ruef and Rohanee Cox the side slowly lost momentum. This led to a tight battle for fourth position on the ladder to secure a finals berth.
The team had an incredible win against Townsville (the eventual Premiers) in the final round of regular competition to ensure this spot, and beat out Canberra and the Melbourne Boomers in doing so. With such an inspirational win, the team then took down another juggernaut squad, the Dandenong Rangers in the Semi Finals.
This was one of the best comebacks in WNBL finals history. The Flames were down by as many as 18 in the third quarter, however coach Seebohm looked calm and composed as he tactically led his team back into the game with full court defensive pressure and great team basketball. Two characteristics the club became known for throughout the season under his guidance.
Despite Shannon being young, he filled his players with confidence throughout the season, leading them to play with a fearlessness and resilience ensuring no task was too tough both individually and as a team.
Seebohm has an expansive knowledge of the game which he developed playing at the highest level himself. Hailing from country South Australia, Shannon moved to the Australian Institute of Sport in his teen years where he competed in junior Australian sides. He later also played professionally for the Adelaide 36ers. This playing experience gives Seebohm the perfect ability to communicate well with his players and get the best out of them.
Please click here to view a video put together by the WNBL commemorating Shannon’s achievement.
