Jess Murty hopes to travel to the United States of America later this year to play basketball against college teams.By Melissa Meehan
IF YOU have played basketball in Healesville then chances are that you would know Jess Murty.
Whether you have been coached by her, whether she refereed your game or just gave you a simple high five in the corridor, Murty’s name is synonymous with basketball in the valley.
After many years of helping out around the basketball court, Murty is asking for some local support to help her go to the United States to play against college teams.
She is hoping to head to the US with her Under 18 team at the Kilsyth Cobras later this year but needs help raising money for the “trip of a lifetime”.
“We will be playing against college teams, and if the college scouts think we show some potential there is a chance they will offer us a place at their college,” Murty said.
“But even if something like that doesn’t happen, it’s still going to be a great experience.”
Mum Debbie agreed.
“Not many people can say that they travelled to the US to play basketball, it is just an amazing experience,” Debbie said.
Murty said that she has been associated with basketball in Healesville for as long as she could remember.
“It’s pretty cool to be able to walk in there and have the young kids high five me in the corridor, I pretty much live there,” she said.
“They think she’s the ant’s pants,” Debbie said.
Hoping to continue playing basketball at the highest level possible Murty said juggling VCE and basketball hasn’t been too difficult.
“Saturday and Thursday nights are my designated homework days, I train pretty much every other day and night,” Murty said.
Whether the scouts in the US think that Murty has what it takes, Debbie said she will always have the experience of playing in the US.
“No one will be able to take that away from her, it’s a once in a lifetime experience.
Murty will stay with a host family during her three weeks in the US.
If you would like to help Jess Murty go to the US contact 5962 5277.
