Jessica Scannell happy to be back playing international basketball with Ireland

IT has been an amazing decade for Irish senior international Jessica Scannell as she gets ready to make a return to the Irish Senior Women’s International basketball team as they get ready to play France at the National Basketball Arena on Sunday November 12.

Scannell began her career at Glanmire and after winning silverware at every level decided a move to the States on scholarship.

Jessica looked back on her early years at Glanmire with huge pride.

“I joined as an eight year old and I don’t really remember losing any games as a juvenile because basically we had some very good players,” she said.

When Jessica started at Glanmire she trained with her good friends Orla and Sinead O’Reilly on an outdoor court near the Glanmire community centre such was their love for the sport.

“We basically played basketball every opportunity we had but look we were rewarded with the success we had for many years,” she added.

Looking back on the career of Scannell she became the first player to win an U18, U20 and Super League National Cups in the season of 2007.

“It was a good way to finish as I went to play at Iona College in the States the following which was the start of my globetrotting for a few years.” 

After having a successful college career Jessica played professional at Nottingham for a season in 2013 but the draw to play with her beloved club made her play one more season.

“I returned in 2014 and to be fair I joined a fabulous group girls who had been very successful while I was at college and to be part of double league and cup winning team in that year was something I will never forget.

“To be honest I played in the league final on Saturday and my next journey was to Melbourne in Australia where I am still presently based.” 

Scannell joined Melbourne Tigers and along with her partner Matt found a new life in this magnificent setting.

“Matt and I only planned to go there for six months but to be honest we fell in love with Melbourne and nine years later we are still there.” 

After forming great relationships in the basketball fraternity Jessica soon loved the Australian lifestyle.

“We met some great people and I loved been around the young kids at the various clubs where I did lots of coaching at camps and it was all those relationships I formed that made me stay on in Melbourne.

“Because I was on sports visa I played with various clubs and now I have just completed my eight season but luckily now Matt and I are Australian citizens so I do not have to be on the special athletes visa.” 

For the past two years Jessica has played with Geelong United Supercats in NBL 1 South level the second tier of professional Australian Women’s basketball and the season has just ended as they are now heading into the summer period.

“The season in Australia runs from March to August so it’s great to have some downtime and enjoy a bit of the summer months after the basketball exertions.” Geelong has a special place in Jessica’s heart.

“To be honest Geelong is 40 minutes on the coast and you drive down the highway and it actually feels like Cork as it’s a small town with plenty of character and all the townsfolk get behind us in our games.” 

In her team at Geelong they have various players from other countries but life just isn’t about basketball for her as she has four days of full time employment.

“I actually work for Welcoming Australia that helps migrants connect with various communities and I attended the UN Global Summit in Belfast while I was here so it just fitted great with my sporting activities.” 

Looking ahead to making a return to the Irish set up Jessica was delighted that coach James Weldon reached out to her.

“I just had a great season as captain of my team and I suppose James saw the impact I made win a relatively high standard and I was delighted to be giving the honour of representing my country again.” 

For Jessica Scannell who witnessed France the seventh ranked team in the world play in Australia last year she is hoping that players and supporters enjoy the experience.

“To see best Women’s team ever to play in Ireland will be a magnificent experience and I am hoping the entire basketball fraternity will come out and support us.”