Former Player Jae Conn Update

[AK-Zips]

http://www.bigv.com.au/index.cgi?det=1&amp...=2456&sID=1New faces to front Lady CatsMonday, 21st January 2008The Geelong Lady Cats are preparing for an exciting season in the Big V Championship Women's competition, with the announcement of Warrnambool Mermaids star Jae Conn to headline the team for 2008.Conn had a successful year as vice captain of the Mermaids in 2007, leading the team to take out the Big V Division One Women's title for the fourth consecutive year. But a decision at season end saw her set herself new goals, which lead her to the courts of Geelong for 2008...and she couldn't be happier."I am excited to be lining up with the Lady Cats. The new coach has some great ideas and I am looking forward to playing under him. It is a bit of a step to go from Division One to Championship division, but I have played in the ABA in Adelaide a couple of years ago so I feel like I am prepared for the challenge," Conn said.Conn went on to say that from a personal perspective, she will be bringing quickness and experience to the team."We are aiming to play up tempo and run hard which suits my style of play. Playing in the states and being a part of two championships with the Mermaids has given me the experience of knowing what it takes to succeed," Conn said, adding , "We have some girls on the team that can flat out play and if we can gel together we will be a very competitive side this year. We will be looking to be competitive which I think we will be, and if we keep working hard, it will pay off in the win column."Another new face for Geelong is that of Darren Busuttil, who has been appointed as Head Coach for the Lady Cats."After 7 years out of coaching (I feel) a bit like a kid in a lolly shop," Bussuttil said on learning of his appointment."About 50% of the team are new faces," Bussitil went on to say adding, "We have a good spread of youth and experience and have some good size as well as speed."General Manager of Basketball Geelong Amy Hawthorne said the club are thrilled to have Conn and Bussutil on board."Jae and Darren both bring passion, discipline and poise to the squad, which is apparent in the preseason training. We have already seen that they compliment Basketball Geelong's existing player base and program structure," Ms. Hawthorne said.Joining Conn in the squad will be familiar faces from last year's team, including Candice Rogers, Ana Marinovic, Vicki Mallon, Charmaine Ferguson, Prue Kenny, Ashlea Salter, Olivia Cameron and Sarah Liebelt as well as 2007 Youth Player of the Year Maddy Taylor. Sarah De Grandi will be returning after two years away and will be joined by Geelong juniors Jess Watson and Ellie Stevens. Chantelle and Katherine Brockett will round out the squad.The Big V season commences March 29 & 30, with final fixtures to be released by the League on February 1.