Jane Chalmers made more than 300 appearances for the Bendigo Braves. Photos: EMBA
Jane Chalmers has been immortalised at Red Energy Arena.
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The Echuca-born basketballer had her jersey retired on Saturday by the NBL1’s Bendigo Braves, for whom she appeared more than 300 times in her career.
“It was an honour to be recognised in such a way with so many great past players (coming) through the club,” Chalmers said.
“Coming from Echuca, it’s something that I never thought would happen, even playing for Bendigo was a challenge in itself.”
Chalmers’ number 24 was one of four retired on the night, with fellow women’s Braves player Gabrielle Richards and men’s players Chris Hogan and Taylor Bell also honoured.
Her name and number will hang above court six in Red Energy Arena, and she was also awarded with a framed jersey on the night.
“It was a great honour and to be able to catch up with past teammates, coaches and club members on Saturday night was amazing,” Chalmers said.
Chalmers’ number 24 will forever be a fixture of court six at Red Energy Arena in Bendigo. Photo: EMBA
Chalmers’ decorated career with the Braves included South East Australian Basketball League conference championships in 2013 and 2017, along with a league title in 2013.
Alongside her tenure at the Braves, Chalmers was a foundation player with the WNBL’s Bendigo Spirit, where she appeared 176 times from the club’s inception in 2007-08 up to the 2016-17 campaign.
She won back-to-back WNBL titles with the Spirit in 2012-13 and 2013-14.
After growing up in Echuca and playing for the Echuca Pirates as a junior, Chalmers spent four years in the American college system before returning home and linking up with the Braves, where she would become one of the club’s longest tenured players.
“I have played most of my career with (the Bendigo Braves),” she said.
“I loved my time in Bendigo and the teammates I played with and coaches I played for were always great.
“Playing basketball is what I love doing, and to be given that opportunity to live in Echuca and play for Bendigo was a great time.”
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