We couldn't have a better person to do our first WNBA interview with, Jenna O'Hea, a first year player from Australia, is so grateful for what she has and where she comes from. Within hours of asking her to do an interview she accepted with what seemed like the same excitement I had to have her on our site. She is so kind and loves what she's been blessed with in life, and its so obvious in just one interview that she will never take that for granted.
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| Jenna accepting The Linda Brandt MVP and Members MVP Awards |
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| Jenna playing against her idol Penny Taylor |
Penny Taylor. She played at the same junior club as me (Nunawading Spectres) and she is a few years older and plays the same position as I do so I always wanted to be just like her. It is always very surreal when I have the privilege to play with her on the Australian Team.
When did you realize that you had something special with your basketball talent?
I don't think there was a time when I realized... I was pretty much born in a basketball stadium with 2 older brothers who have played their entire life and our whole family loves basketball so it's always been what I have done. I played other sports as I was growing up as most kids do but basketball was always the one I enjoyed and it just seemed to fit.
In high school did you have any interest in playing college ball in the US? Was there any interest from colleges that you left on the table?
I had a few offers from different Colleges but it wasn't really an interest of mine. Back when I was eligible to attend college it wasn't very popular to pursue the American College experience. Nowadays the amount of Australians heading to different Colleges is overwhelming. I am very much a home body and felt I was too young to live in a different country and I am happy with the path I chose to stay in Australia and go to the States when I was older.
The opportunity to play in the WNBA doesn't come around very often so when the offer came I jumped on it and couldn't have been happier to end up in LA playing with some greats of the game!
What are the biggest differences in playing in Australia and the US?
The schedule! In Australia we play only on weekends. We practice all week to prepare for the 1, maybe 2, games on the weekend. In the US, we play all throughout the week including 3 or 4 game road trips. Sometimes we go a couple of days without practicing because of the travel and game schedule of the WNBA.
Explain how your first year in the WNBA went...
It was disappointing obviously to not make the playoffs. I thought we had a great roster with a lot of talent but for some reason that didn't translate to enough wins throughout the season. On a personal level the amount that I learned in such a small period of time was amazing. There is nothing better then training and playing against the best players in the world day in and day out and I really loved every minute of it.
Australian Michelle Timms was, at least in my mind, one of the founding athletes of the WNBA. How is she viewed in Australia then and now?
She is an absolute legend. She paved the way for Australians to play in the WNBA. She is such a humble person who deflects any compliments directed her way but I hold her in the highest of respects and if it wasn't for her.. I wouldn't be where I am today. Her work ethic and passion for the game is something I aspire to.
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| Jenna guarding WNBA superstar Diana Turasi |
Diana Turasi. She has such a quick release on her shot and moves so well off the ball and uses screens so well that she is very difficult to defend.
Is there a particular part of your game that you have struggled with and are to this day still trying to improve?
The list goes on!!!!! I believe there is always something to improve. During the WNBA season my assistant coach at the Sparks, Sandy Brondello (who is also an Australian), worked with my on my pull-up jump shot. Shooting at a reasonably high percentage from the 3 point line players close out hard to me and being able to develop a jump shot was very important. I also work daily on my ball handling and defensively I believe I have a lot of improvements to make. As I said.. the list goes on!!
What has been your best individual and team accomplishment so far?
Individually it was making the Australian Team for the World Championships last season and also winning the WNBL title for the Bulleen Boomers which was the first time the Boomers had won in the clubs history. It is such a family oriented club and the excitement and passion surrounding that win I will never forget!
What are your interests and passions besides basketball?
I love to cook. My dad is the best cook ever and I love learning off him. I don't particularly like cooking for myself because that's boring but for my family and friends... I could be in the kitchen all day having fun with different recipes!
What would you like to accomplish in your future?
To compete at an Olympic Games and win a Gold Medal. That is the ultimate in basketball and has been a dream of mine for a very long time.
And what would an interview be without the cliche question...if you weren't playing basketball what would you be doing?
I think I would be a tennis player. I love summer and these lucky athletes get to follow summer around the world which would suit me just fine :)
Big thanks to Jenna and good luck to her in the future! you can find Jenna on twitter @JennaOHea
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