ROSE BLOOMED IN CARDIFF - Hoopsfix.com

ROSE BLOOMED IN CARDIFF

Rose Anderson is plotting a happy homecoming this weekend as Great Britain’s women square off in two internationals against Canada at Meadowbank.


It marks a return to an old stomping ground for the 24-year-old who began her career in Scotland’s capital with the Kool Kats club before heading to college in the United States.

The two Olympic tune-ups on Saturday and Sunday represent a rare opportunity for 35-times-capped Anderson to showcase herself in front of familiar faces. And to perform again at the famous old venue, where she once was one of the youngest players ever to lift the Scottish Cup.

“I’m so excited to have my family there,” she said. “I grew up sneaking into Meadowbank when I was younger. They kept kicking me out! Half the staff are still there so they’ll recognise me. But it’s going to be great to come home and hopefully I can do well.”

The Canadian tests, part of the first of two Standard Life Game On tournaments this summer, come off the back of Great Britain’s victory in last weekend’s 4 Nations in Liege, another building block for head coach Tom Maher on the road to London.

“It’s been going well,” said Anderson, the lone Scot in the 14-strong squad. “This year everyone arrived in good shape.”
Herself included, she states. And the guard is crediting GB assistant coach Damian Jennings for providing the best possible preparation for the most important summer of her career so far.

Last year, Anderson opted out of a move overseas to spend the season with UWIC in Cardiff. It proved a successful choice, as the Welsh side claimed their first-ever domestic league title.

Working with Jennings, she declares, brought numerous improvements.

“I didn’t know Damian that well,” she confirmed. “But he is a brilliant coach. He’s up there with Tom. He’s very driven. We may have been in the EBL but we had sessions where we’d analyse film, analyse different things. He kept me accountable and not let me be complacent.

“I was lifting weights. Following nutrition programmes. I got all the help I needed. And so I think it was the best decision I ever made to go to UWIC and play in the domestic league because I’m in much better shape than ever.”

 

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