SHE can’t imagine leaving baby Ava Mirella for even a second just yet but former Opal Laura Hodges will likely be one of the first beneficiaries of a new parental and pregnancy care policy introduced to the WNBL for the first time this season.
The 34-year-old former Australian great and Adelaide Lightning player gave birth to her first child on October 15 but is already plotting a return to the court.
WALKING WOUNDED: Tahlia’s nasty head knock
COMEBACK: Flames ready to ignite after close call
“She watched her first game with me on TV the other day but I have to admit she did fall asleep as I was explaining the rules,’’ Hodges said.
The WNBL’s first Parental and Pregnancy Care Policy will help the new mum reignite her career as an elite basketballer – potentially by next season.
The Australian Basketballers’ Association (ABA) and the WNBL announced the
establishment of the policy on Wednesday which includes provision for mothers with children up to four to have access to a qualified carer or player elected support personnel for all away trip or for pregnant players to pause their contracts.
The policy follows in the wake of the Minimum Player Conditions Agreement reached last year.
FELICITY PALMATEER: I used to wonder does my life meant less
FAMILY AFFAIRS: Jessica Fox has special company at awards
“This will just make it so much easier for players to get back if that’s what they want,’’ said Hodges, who maintains it is crucial players are not rushed back into sport before they are ready.
“It is important that the league is meeting the standards expected in the modern day world of women’s sport.
“Having a child is not a career ender.’’
Inspiring Hodges, who admits a week ago even the thought of walking up stairs was daunting, is close friend Renae Ingles, who returned to elite netball after giving birth to twins.
An old teammate of Ingles, former Australian player Bec Bulley, was the first netballer to return from retirement after starting a family when netball introduced its own policy at the start of Super Netball in 2017.
WNBL boss Sally Phillips said the policy was important for the longest running elite women’s league in Australia
“I am thrilled that all key WNBL stakeholders have been able to come together and recognise the importance around the introduction of this policy,’’ she said.
“I look forward to continuing to work closely with the Players Association and WNBL clubs as we all continue take positive strides forward in providing our players with the opportunity to become fully professional athletes.’’
