Chelsea Laing has become an institution in basketball circles. The Knox Raider veteran has been a passionate basketball player for more than 20 years and will this Sunday become the first female to play 300 SEABL games when she lines up for the Raiders against Frankston. The Journal’s Justin Nelson caught up with Laing to talk about her life on the court, and how she will cope away from the game when she retires at the end of the season.

Chelsea, can you believe you’re about to play your 300th SEABL game?
No, it’s quite surreal to think I have played that many games. It makes me feel so old, especially when you see all these younger players running up and down the court each week. But I’m really looking forward to it.

What does it mean to you to be the first female player to reach 300 SEABL games?
It makes me feel old (laughing). It’s exciting, especially due to the fact I didn’t realise I had played that many games. It really is a big honour to reach the milestone, almost daunting in a sense because as a player you just concentrate on getting out and playing the game each week. You don’t really think about the number of games you’ve played, or indeed milestones and achievements, you just focus on being the best you can be.

What’s the history of your basketball career?
I started playing when I was nine years old at the Blackburn Bombers. I then moved on to play with Nunawading at rep-ball level, before finishing my junior career with the Melbourne Tigers. My senior career started (SEABL) at Kilsyth, before I had a season with Dandenong in the WNBL and then I joined Knox three years ago.

Has the move to Knox move been an enjoyable one?
Yes, very much so. It’s been awesome. I was very scared about coming over, especially when you consider I had played against Knox for many years, plus I was coming off an eight-month break, so I wasn’t sure how I’d go at this level again. But the girls I play with now are amongst my closest friends and socially we all get along so well. The last three years have provided me with a perfect way to bring my playing days to a close.

What do you think it is that makes Knox such a highly respected basketball club?
There are some great people who run the club and they know what it takes to be the best. So many other clubs just exist for the men, but Knox pours so much time and energy into every part of its operation, particularly the girls and women’s programs. I think the best part of Knox is that nobody is there for self gain, they just want to see the game progress and for the club to be at the forefront of that growth.

Will it be sad leaving that environment when you retire?
Yes, definitely. It will be really sad. My sister, Sally, still plays and she’ll continue at Knox, so I’ll be down at the stadium watching her. But personally it will be sad not be a part of the furniture from a playing perspective, but I’ll certainly continue supporting the Raiders very passionately. They have been such a wonderful club for me to finish my career with and I’m pleased to have been provided with an opportunity to play basketball for them.

You probably have more experience from a playing perspective to talk about the game than most, so where do you see basketball at the moment?
I think the game has got a lot faster, although maybe I’ve got a bit slower (laughing). Players are more versatile now and are definitely taller than when I first started. Just look at the likes of Lauren Jackson, and even our very own Megan Moody down at Knox, these girls can play the perimeter as well as any guard going around. It just shows how much the game has progressed. I think at the grassroots level the game is bigger than ever before and that will reflect in senior basketball during the next decade. There is no doubt that basketball is growing again and I’m pleased to have been a part of than for more than 20 years.

Have you ever played any other sports?
No not really, maybe a little bit of netball at high school, but I think I was a little too rough for the other players. My sister has given up asking me to fill in for her netball team when they’re short of players because I just can’t escape from the rough and tumble of senior basketball.

Why did you choose basketball?
When I was about two-and-half years old, the childcare centre told my Mum that I would grow to about 180 centimetres tall, or bigger, so my mum was keen to get me into a sport where I didn’t feel so self-conscience of my height. When I think about it these days I’m really appreciative of my Mum thinking that way and encouraging me to try basketball. I started playing the game when I was nine and although I was uncoordinated in the beginning, it all came together and I fell in love with the game.

Who have been some of the biggest influences on your career?
My parents top the list for sure. They have been so supportive of me and were never pushy, which I really appreciate and I think that has added to my love of the game and allowed me to enjoy playing for so long.

What are some of your most memorable moments?
Winning two SEABL championships will always rank highly, but I guess the most important things to me are being a part of so many other players’ careers. I have really enjoyed the ride and hope those around me have enjoyed the game as much as I have.

Are there any regrets?
Not really. It’s all a big learning curve, so constantly learning from mistakes is an important part of the game, but I honestly can’t say I have any regrets. I have enjoyed every minute of playing basketball and will really miss it.

You keep talking about missing the game. Are you suggesting your playing days are coming to a close?
This is my last year. I’m happy with what I’ve achieved and I’m ready to leave the game from a playing perspective. I’ve played for 13 years at SEABL level and I’m feeling tired both in a physical and mental aspect. Plus, I think I’ve earned a rest.

You are renowned for your competitive nature on the court, but how are you off the court?
I’m fairly loud and my friends will be the first to tell you that I don’t mind seeking attention. I like to be social and always enjoy going out with my friends, but from a competitive viewpoint I’d like to think I’m a gentle person and have a caring nature (laughing).

So what does the future hold for you? What will you do in retirement?
Very little I hope. Actually I think I’ll be a bit lost for a while because basketball has always been there for me. It really is scary when I think about it, but I know it’s time to move on and explore other things.

What about coaching?
I wouldn’t look at it straight away or for the next couple of years at least, but who knows what the future holds? I love the game and would like to think I have something to offer other players down the track, but I need some time to myself for a while and want to enjoy that first.

What about starting a family or settling down?
Oh no….that is way too scary. I’ve got a dog (laughing, again)! I do have a boyfriend, but let’s just say we’re in the first quarter and there’s a long way to go in the game. Oh, he’ll love me for saying that.

And finally, what’s the one bit of advice you can give to young players wanting to reach the top?
I’ve always wondered if the day would come when someone would ask me that question and here it is. I think the most important things are to listen, enjoy learning new skills, play with intensity and, most of all, to have fun.

Chelsea it has been great fun talking with you. I can’t remember laughing so much during an interview. Good luck with your 300th game this week and for the remainder of your career.
Thanks. You’ve done a good job of making me feel so old after taking me back through the years!