Youth Leaders - Cassandra Wilson

focus_contributor. Youth LEADERS

with CASSANDRA WILSON

FROM BECOMING U PROJECT

S A R A H FAHEY

Hi Sarah! Tell me a little about yourself...

I am 19, grew up on the Coffs Coast and went to school at Bishop Druitt College. I work full time at the Optical Superstore at the plaza, which I love, as helping people have better vision can be lifechanging. I work with a great team and I really enjoy learning the science behind it.

Since I was 6 years old I have been playing and coaching, and then refereeing basketball since I was 12, for our Coffs Harbour Basketball Association. My mum was a basketballer so naturally I followed her footsteps. I have recently found surfi ng again, and love getting out into the ocean with my brother Mitch and my dad.

You said you have been refereeing since you were 12, why did you get into it? And where has it taken you?

Through encouragement from my family and the referee development coach, I thought I would try and I really enjoyed it. It has given me many life skills such as keeping a positive mindset and staying resilient, and it has increased my basketball knowledge, court control skills and reading plays. The hardest part of refereeing is learning how to back myself and staying strong in my decision making when coaches or parents disagree with what you see and call out. It can be confronting but has helped with dealing with confl ict skills and handling stress.

Refereeing has created leadership pathways and opportunities to be part of state and national development programs which I am so grateful for. At this time, I have been selected for the Junior Development Program and the Advanced Referee Development Program where I am part of a small group chosen from NSW. We participate in theory and practical workshops and if chosen can move into National programs as a way into WNBL and NBL, which is one of my goals.

How do you use your experience to empower young people you see at the court?

I am always trying to be a positive role model and leader, on and off the court. With referees that are in training, I always make sure I demonstrate the right practices and behaviours. I have a happy and optimistic attitude. I encourage them to try and be confi dent by always backing them up, especially if there is confl ict on the court. I give them constructive feedback and advice on different ways to approach situations. I also hope they see me as someone that they can trust and confi de in when they need me, sort of like a big sister and mentor.

On the court I also like to take the time, especially to the younger players, to explain why I pulled them up on a call. Refereeing can be hard to build relationships with players as you are seen sometimes as the bad guy, however chatting, joking and showing I am human too has helped build this trust.

You mentioned mentors and role models, have you had someone like that in your life that has helped you? Has that been important?

Other than family taking on that role, yes, I have had someone who has made a huge impact on who I am today. Alison has shared her knowledge and skills, mistakes and successes. She has been there when I have needed her and is quite protective. Having Alison as my mentor has so many benefi ts, shaping who I have become today.

Completing your HSC, the year before last, was a challenge and is a time that you will always remember.

Yes, it was. On top of the actual tests and studying, my body and mind was fi ghting a medical condition affecting my blood and immunity levels. It was such a hard time in my life, but I got through it with my family and friends wrapping their support around me. It has made me so grateful for the life I live, given me a new appreciation of being healthy and looking after my body and fi tting more things in such as surfi ng, basketball, working full time, studying and achieving my refereeing goals.

Any fi nally, what advice would you give to other young people?

Be good to your family, life is better when you fi ll it with good people who are in your corner. And don’t limit yourself – set high goals with no boundaries and you will achieve them.

Thanks Sarah.