Tash Rigby – Football
Tash is the captain of the Perth Glory and has been a important member of the Glory since 2016. They made the A League Grand Final in 2017 and 2019 and Tash is confident the team can go one step further this year. She is currently playing in the WA Women’s National Premier League for Fremantle City. You can find her fixtures here: https://websites.mygameday.app/comp_info.cgi?c=0-10183-0-599249-0&a=FIXTURE
Up until recently, Tash has worked full time as a sports team leader at Curtin University all whilst playing at a professional level. She is passionate about mental health initiatives and improving literacy amongst Indigenous Australians.
“Tash is a standout person and leader. Her energy is infectious and she has a deep desire to win whilst always leading by example. Tash is a great character and the perfect person to drive the team into what is shaping to be a very exciting season for us” – Coach Alex Epakis
Tamsin Cook OLY – Swimming
Tamsin is a 2 x Olympic swimmer and a Dolphins team leader for the 2022-2024 Olympic cycle. Unfortunately for Tamsin, she became unwell right before the qualifiers for the Commonwealth Games, however she looks forward to representing Australia in the upcoming Duel in the Pool between USA and Australia and future international events.
Tamsin has a Bachelor of Arts and Communications and Media, and is currently studying Postgraduate Law at Griffith University, whilst also living and training full time in Queensland.
Just 12 months after coming out of retirement, Cook not only made the Olympic team, but narrowly missed qualifying for the 400m freestyle final, then shook off the disappointment by anchoring the 4 x 200m freestyle relay heat that propelled the Aussies into the final and ultimately a bronze medal” – The West Australia, 2 October 2021, Glen Quartermain.
Emma Gandini – Basketball
Emma signed with Stella fresh off her first season of WNBL with the Perth Lynx as a Development Player, making the most of this opportunity averaging 2 points and 1.6 rebounds in her 14 games, and shooting at 50% from the 3 point line (6/12).
She is currently playing for the Willetton Tigers in NBL1 averaging 10 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists shooting at 40%. You can find her fixtures here: https://nbl1.com.au/fixture/west
Emma is a qualified accountant and volunteers with charity Orange Sky which connects people experiencing homelessness through free laundry, showers and conversation.
“Demanded a Development Player contract after years of impressive performances at state league level. The 27 year old can embarrass her opponents defensively and will be looking to pressure everyone when on court” – The West Australian
Amber Merritt- Wheelchair Basketball
Amber plays wheelchair basketball for Australia and is a 2x Paralympian including winning a silver medal at the 2012 London Games. She was recently awarded MVP at the Asia Oceania Championships which she helped Australia win gold. 2022 is the first year wheelchair basketball will be played at the Commonwealth Games and Amber will then travel to Dubai in November for the World Championships.
“Merritt finished as the highest point scorer for the tournament with 189 points, 100 points more than her nearest competitor and averaged 31.5 points per game.” – IWBF
AFLW
Following the release of the new CBA for Season 7, we’ve been working with 5 contracted AFLW players including Laura Pugh, Matilda Sergeant and Ashley Sharp from the Fremantle Dockers, and Aimee Schmidt and Hayley Bullas from the West Coast Eagles.
Laura began her AFLW career in 2019 after playing in the State Basketball League, and is now an integral part of the Dockers backline. She is also an Occupational Therapist and volunteers with Fair Game.
Tildi was drafted to the Dockers in 2018 and made her debut in 2019. After a concussion, Tildi was back playing in the 2021 season and has signed again with the Dockers for season 7. Tildi is also a qualified teacher after graduating from Notre Dame in 2021.
Ashley was drafted to Dockers in 2016 and in 2017 received a NAB Rising Star nomination. A talented basketballer too, Ashley played in the State Basketball League before switching to AFLW full time. Ashley is making her return to AFLW after the birth of her son and playing her 100th game in the WAFLW with Swan Districts.
Aimee was drafted to the GWS Giants in 2016 and joined Eagles in 2021. Aimee was the Eagles leading goal kicker in the 2022 season and is also a qualified teacher. She enjoys travelling with her partner and is looking forward to getting away after season 7 when they would usually be training and playing.
Hayley has re-signed with the West Coast Eagles for her 4th season, after winning the VFLW best and fairest in 2018 and kicking the most goals for Eagles in 2020. Hayley also runs her own business HB Female Football, creating a pathway for the next generation of AFLW players in Perth.
We have also been working with a number of local AFLW athletes who are hoping to be drafted.
Want to become a Stella athlete too? Email Lauren at lauren@stellaathletes.com or Brie at brie@stellaathletes.com for more information!
