InspireHER Story: Jackie Stephens

Representation matters. Through our InspireHER stories, we are shining a light on the incredible women and girls who are shaping the future of basketball across Victoria. These stories of resilience, triumph, and determination are powerful reminders of what's possible when barriers are removed, and opportunities are created. From grassroots heroes to professional athletes and coaches, we celebrate their journeys and contributions to the game, ensuring every girl can see herself reflected on the court and beyond.
‍

Having spent her life on the court, Jackie Stephens couldn’t be more excited to see women’s basketball continue to grow stronger each and every year.

Growing up as “the girl who was always playing with the boys”, Stephens has always wanted to help young women find their place within the sport, and help pave a pathway for girls on and off the court.

First getting involved in the sport after watching her father play each week, Stephens fell in love with the game, playing domestic, VJBL, and Big V, all while coaching other juniors teams, before shifting behind the scenes.

Through her work across the Wyndham Basketball Association and Iramoo Basketball, she has been able to achieve this goal, and now as a committee member with the United for Her program, she is looking to continue making an impact.

“Basketball had given me so much, so I wanted to do the same,” Stephens said.

“I remember when I was playing in the Under 14s, we had one division and that was it. Now I look at Wyndham and there’s six divisions of local domestic and we’re looking at five representative teams.

“The growth has been really amazing to see and that’s why it’s important to continue doing what we can to build on this growth.”

This growth extends to coaching, an area that Stephens believes United for Her can continue to develop through initiatives like United for Her.

“When I first started playing basketball, my coach was one of the local senior players, so I looked up to them and just wanted to do what they did,” she explained.

“In saying that, the vast majority of the people in the coaching space were males, so as someone who wanted to coach, at times I didn’t feel like I had people to relate to or look up to.

“Now, there’s more opportunities for women and girls and that’s a great thing.

“I think the United for Her program will be really beneficial for young girls in providing them with a pathway to get involved in the sport in whatever capacity they like.”

To find out more about the United for Her program, click here, and to nominate an inspiring woman within the sport, click here.

‍