Tara Murray
Wyndham Basketball Association has locked in three of its Big V coaches long term.
The association announced last week that state championship women’s coach Gerard Hillier, state championship men’s coach Lucas Allen and youth league men’s coach Aaron Bensted have all signed three year contract extensions.
Coming off the back of back-to-back grand final berths, Hillier will continue to lead the women’s side until 2026.
Wyndham general manager David Drysdale was all praise for Hillier. Hillier has been coaching the women’s side the past three years.
“Gerard is highly respected, very experienced and an outstanding leader within basketball and has overseen and driven the successful transformation of not only the championship women’s program, but the entire Wyndham basketball player and coach development department”.
Allen will be hoping to get his side back into the grand final after a disappointing end to the 2023 season, missing out on the grand final after winning the minor premiership.
Allen has been the men’s coach the last two years.
Hillier, in his role as player and coach development manager said he was thrilled to have Allen continue in the role for another three years.
“We are extremely fortunate to have Lucas sign for another three years and continue to lead our championship men’s program into the future,” he said.
“Lucas has done a first-class job with building a professional and progressive environment for our players to develop and flourish in, which will no doubt continue to deliver great results for the Wyndham Basketball Association and our community.”
Aaron Bensted has also signed on to continue in his role until at least 2026 securing both men’s program coaches.
Hillier shares his elation with Bensted’s signing.
“The work Aaron has put in over the past two seasons with our youth league men’s program has been nothing short of remarkable, bringing a genuine passion for player development and a strong commitment to our club and community.
“We are absolutely delighted to have Aaron sign on for another three years, and know he will continue to build our program and achieve great things.”
The club will announce the youth women’s coaching appointment in the near future.
