Share the story of your basketball journey
‘I was privileged to play for the U17 NZ Basketball team last year, coming 3rd in Asia, which sent us to Spain for the World Cup. This high-level basketball experience was amazing, as we competed with some of the best junior players in the world.
Even though I know my basketball career is still at an early stage, I know how much of an impact Bernadette has already had on my basketball. I attended her programme from an early age and it was my first experience of organised basketball. Under her coaching, my love of the game grew, as well as the development of my fundamental skills. She taught me the basics of basketball in a challenging environment that helped me grow. I would also end up meeting many close friends who I am still playing club basketball with today.
Bernadette was my first coach and I know that any impact she has made on my game, and where it has taken me so far, has only been positive. I highly recommend her to anyone thinking about playing basketball. She truly was a great first coach for me and has done a lot for the local basketball community. Thank you Bernadette for all that you do.
— George Turner
‘Our family has been involved with Underdog Basketball for many years and it has become like home for our kids in their basketball journey. This is a wonderful, welcoming club with a passion for grass roots basketball.
Bernadette has always looked out for us and given our kids opportunities to enhance their basketball experience. From the local schools’ competitions, to wider tournaments, coaching and representative opportunities, Bernadette has always been able to point us in the right direction for all our basketball questions and needs. She has her finger on the pulse and knows what’s happening in the wider basketball community in Auckland.
More recently, Underdog Basketball has provided an opportunity for our kids to give back to their sport by taking them through a referee training programme, which has provided them with solid skills and the confidence to control a game of basketball.’
— Melissa Carr
‘Thanks for coaching my son in the Y3/4 Underdog Club Team – we had so much fun and learnt lots of basketball rules and skills over the games. As a parent I admire your teaching style and helping the kids enjoy the game rather than winning it (although winning feels good). I have been searching for a good basketball club around the East Auckland area for a long time and I knew that I made the right choice by seeing Bernadette teach kids in the game.’
— Sylvia & Jake
‘Thank you to all the coaches at the Underdog Basketball Club. After the training and competition over the past two school terms, I found that Adam had made great progress and he is now stronger, more confident and relaxed, and has improved his understanding of basketball.
Thank you also to the coaches for their patience with the children and for training them through actions and leading by example, which is the reason why the kids learn so fast and acquire a good understanding of the game. They always give the kids the biggest encouragement, even when they lose a game.
Adam and I are really grateful to the coaches for their help and Adam has had a lot of good times with his teammates, too. Sadly, Adam won’t be able to continue training here as we are moving to the North Shore, but I would like to say that Underdog was the perfect starting point for Adam's basketball journey.’
— Haward & Adam