The Illawarra Hawks teamed up with Basketball Illawarra to run a Girls in the Game clinic, welcoming Astrid Newman to mentor young players. The session focused on skill-building and confidence, giving local girls a chance to train with the NBL side.
What happened at the clinic?
Astrid Newman, a rising star in women’s basketball, led drills and scrimmages for participants. The clinic mixed fundamentals with fun, letting kids work on shooting, passing, and footwork under Hawks coaches. Newman shared tips on handling pressure and playing smarter, not just harder. Organizers called it a hit, with over 50 girls turning out despite the cold Illawarra winter.
Why it matters for Illawarra Hawks
The Hawks are pushing hard on community ties, and this clinic fits their push to grow the women’s game. With the NBL’s Next Stars program in mind, grassroots events like this help scout talent early. The Hawks’ recent form—four straight wins—shows their focus isn’t just on-court. Off the floor, they’re building pipelines, and Newman’s appearance adds star power to the effort.
What comes next for the Hawks?
The Hawks keep rolling after beating Melbourne United 114-104 on March 23, 2025, extending their four-game winning streak. Their next matchup looms, but the clinic proves they’re thinking long-term. Newman’s involvement hints at future crossover between elite and junior programs. For now, the focus stays on keeping the momentum going—both in wins and in growing the game locally.
The Hawks’ last five reads 4W-0D-1L, with their most recent loss coming well before this streak started.