Great Britain’s Hannah Shaw has explained her move to Team Northumbria after making the decision to leave Nottingham Wildcats.
Shaw had been averaging 7.4 points and 4.7 rebounds per game for the Wildcats, but admits she wasn’t in the ‘best possible position’ to excel on the court.
“It was a really tough decision to leave the club,” she declared. “My life has been in Nottingham for the past 3 years and to make a move mid-season isn’t something I would take lightly.
“This year I’ve been working full-time and trying to play basketball full-time, and obviously those hours don’t add up.
“I don’t feel that I was putting myself in the best possible position for the season and for whatever is next if I didn’t change something.
“The ladies on the team are great team-mates/friends and pretty much family and it is sad to leave that behind.
“However, their understanding and the support they have shown me with this decision has been amazing so in a way they made it easier to leave.
“I’m really looking forward to playing with Team Northumbria. It’s a great set up with with top class facilities, in what I’m told is a fantastic city.
“They have a great coach in Chris [Bunten] and after just 1 practice I really felt like I was part of the team.
“The ladies are great and the team has so many positive attributes and I’m looking forward to adding to them.”
Shaw enjoyed plenty of success with the Wildcats with the club and leaves having been part of the squad that won the league title for the last two seasons.
“Back-to-back league titles, two-time winners of the BCC, a Cup Final appearance and two Playoff Final appearances is a pretty nice record to leave with,” she stated.
“30-something years is a long time to go without silverware and to be a part of that success and as someone who played through all the junior ranks and who knows what the club really stands for is something I am so proud of.
“I can’t say enough positive things about Dave, he is such an asset to the club and really the reason for the recent success along with being an incredible guy.
“I wish him and the team all the best for the rest of the season.”
Shaw was able to use the time away with the GB squad to contemplate the decision further before opting for the move further North.
“I knew I had two options if I wanted to push my playing career; either continuing doing the same or change it up.
“Being away for two weeks during the EuroBasket Qualifiers gave me time to evaluate where I was and where I wanted to be.”
Northumbria currently have a 5-4 record in the WBBL Championship with Shaw off to a winning start after helping her new side overcome Oaklands Wolves on debut.
Next up, a home clash with Caledonia Pride in front of the BBC Sport cameras with Shaw set to return to Nottingham on the final day of the regular season on April 28.
“It won’t be the first time I’ve played against Nottingham so it won’t be that new to me, but it will be within the new league set-up,” she said.
“I’ll deal with it like I do every other game, look to compete and to win.”
0 comments