By Nick Creely
Rangers star Sara Blicavs is the kind of player that all teams love to have.
These kinds of players, who motivate others, lead by example and bleed for their team, are the heartbeat and the fabric of a thriving sporting club – and define the values and culture that a team lives by.
This has seen the star forward reach 150 games in that time with both the Bendigo Spirit and Dandenong Rangers.
In the 150th game, at home against a strong Perth Lynx outfit, Blicavs was given a rousing reception by her adoring fans, and proceeded to play a game that befitted her consistency and intensity.
Blicavs told the Journal that while it’s just another number, she feels proud of her achievements thus far.
“To be honest I thought it was just another number; but then when my brother Chris said to me that 99 per cent of the world hasn’t even played a single WNBL game, I think that’s when I put it into perspective.
“It is an achievement and I guess I am pretty chuffed to reach 150 at the age of 23.
Looking back at her debut game in the WNBL in 2009 for the AIS, Blicavs said she felt nervous but is thankful for the experience that has helped shape her career.
“I remember getting hit, flying out of court and being so exhausted after the first couple of minutes – I couldn’t even breathe but it was a lot of fun and I can never take that back,” Blicavs said.
After a stint with the AIS, Blicavs won a WNBL championship with Bendigo Spirit, and said it was a feeling that almost can’t be put into words.
“It was seriously the greatest moment of my basketball career so far.
“It gives me more motivation and wants to get that feeling back for our team this year,” Blicavs said.
But at the end of this championship year, Blicavs decided to return to the Rangers and feels as if she is now truly home.
“The group just fits me perfectly. It was a tough decision but I think I made the right one.”
Blicavs said her biggest inspiration and support is her family, who has helped shape her life and outlook in basketball.
“As cliche as it sounds, my family has helped me so much along the way, and they’re always there for advice and I think what I like so much about my parents is that they are realists.
“Both my brothers, too, always played with me when I was younger and I guess they made me the tough princess I am now,” Blicavs said.
Blicavs said her durability comes down to her love for the game but that only two years ago she considered walking away completely.
“I went through a rough patch two years ago where I hated basketball.
“I think the fact that I came out the other end and ended up sticking with it, and coming out better for it, came down to my love for the game.”
Now heading into the next phase of her already glittering basketball career, Blicavs, who has spent some time with the Australian Opals, would love the opportunity to play for Australia at both the Olympic and Commonwealth games.
“I’m not trying to think too much ahead to be honest, but the commonwealth games are coming up in 2018 and obviously the Olympics in 2020.
“I don’t know what the Australian team is doing, but it’s definitely one of my longer term goals.
