Sport
4 March, 2026
Dedication: Graham 'overwhelmed' by life membership
“The ladies I played with taught me a lot of skills and tips that I now try to pass on to the juniors within the club, especially the young girls,” she said.
FOR Tracey Graham, giving back to the club that helped raise her has always been her aim.
It was this dedication to the St Arnaud Basketball Club that earned her the “overwhelming” honour of a life membership at the club’s recent grand finale to their season.
“It definitely means a lot to me,” she said.
“I don’t do what I do for the trophies or the acknowledgements I do it because I love my sport and want to see basketball continue within our small community.
Ms Graham has given her all to the club for more than 30 years, starting her basketball career at a young age.
“I started playing junior basketball around 12 years old,” she said.
“I love all sports and will give anything a go, but have always loved basketball.
"Whether it be watching professional games on TV or playing one-on-one with my big brother in our driveway with our home made basketball ring, I was there for it.”
Ms Graham played all through juniors and before stepping up into the women’s competition, right into the same team she still plays for today.
“The ladies I played with taught me a lot of skills and tips that I now try to pass on to the juniors within the club, especially the young girls,” she said.
Over the years and alongside her playing, Ms Graham has helped out with coaching, umpiring, scoring, or even just opening and closing the stadium whenever she could to help out.
“I’ve always tried to give back to something that I enjoyed as a child, just to make sure it continues to run for all the younger generations to enjoy as well,” she said.
“Without volunteers there would be no competition.”
Ms Graham said she was honoured when she found out she was to receive a life membership of the club.
“When my name was read out at the presentations I was surprised and a bit overwhelmed by it all.
I don’t like being made a fuss of or attention drawn to me so I was a bit shy and anxious but when it sunk it I was pretty happy and it just felt nice to be acknowledged.”
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