Chantel Horvat will become just the third woman from Geelong to represent the Australian Opals after being named in the final team for next week’s Asia Cup.
The 25-year-old will join Trish Fallon and Michelle Chandler as those to have worn the green and gold at the international level when she suits up for the week-long tournament.
Hoop City Geelong United Supercats women’s coach Matt Paton says he couldn’t be prouder of Horvat, who joins Michelle Chandler and Trish Fallon on the Opals honour role.
“When an athlete gets to come home and in no way compromises their aspirations is something we’ve prided ourselves on at GUB,” Paton said.
“It’s a really nice nod to the work she’s done over the past couple of months with us, as well as since she left for college and started her pro career.”
Australia will face the Philippines, Chinese Taipei and Japan, which has fellow Supercat Monica Okoye on its roster.
“You are aware when you recruit players of a certain talent level that there’s a possibility they will be called up,” Paton said.
“We’re very proud of both Chantel and Monica. In all likelihood, we’ll get together as a team and watch that Japan-Australia, and hope to see them matched up on each other at one stage.”
After starting her basketball journey with Geelong United community club Dolphins, Horvat became the youngest debutant in the history of the former SEABL competition when she took the floor as a 14-year-old in 2014.
She played a role in the Geelong Supercats securing their maiden SEABL title in 2017 before enjoying an impressive US college career with UCLA.
After graduating, Horvat was invited to train with the WNBA’s LA Sparks before spending last summer playing in the Polish league with Gorzow.
Since returning to Australia and joining Geelong United, Horvat is averaging 19.3ppg, 10.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists.
Horvat’s Opals duties will see her miss four NBL1 South matches, including Sunday’s home clash with Eltham.
The top four teams from the FIBA Asia Cup earn a spot in qualifying for next year’s Paris Olympics.
Bookmark this link to follow Chantel’s progress with the Opals at the Asia Cup
