Abby Bishop has made the cut to the Opals team to play in the 2010 Women’s World Basketball Champion-

ships in the Czech Republic next month and next stop, the Olympics.

Bishop, 21, who started her career running the boards at Port Pirie’s Donaldson Stadium with the Agnes club, said she was thankful for her start in Port Pirie.

“I am very happy to have Pirie claim me,” she said.

Since staring her career aged about 10, Bishop, who grew up in the Mid North, has made it to the big time.

A six foot, three inch tall forward-centre, she was signed early in the year by the Seattle Storm in the prestige Women’s National Basketball Association in the United States.

Now a professional, she plays three games a week, flying around the US and playing in front of crowds of more than 10,000, who, Bishop says, love the Australians.

According to the young champion, playing in America is different and tough.

If you are a rookie you get no favours, you have to look after yourself and prove your worth and the rookie is delegated to carrying the bags.

Bishop and Adelaide Lightning’s Erin Phillips are the only South Australians chosen in the Opal’s team.

Also in the Australian team is fellow Seattle Storm and Olympian star Lauren Jackson.

Along with Bishop and Jackson, two other Australians named in the Opals are contracted to American teams and, because of their commitments, Opal’s coach Carrie Graf took the squad to the US last week to trial before the announcement of the team.

Bishop’s mother Lexi Knight, formerly of Port Pirie and now of New South Wales, is thrilled with her daughter’s achievements.

She will travel to the world championships to watch her daughter.

“It has been her goal for years to make the Australian team and is something she has worked hard for,” Ms Knight said.

Bishop had previously trialled for the Opals, not making the cut, being deemed too young at the time.

- Val Rafanelli

CHAMP…

This is the latest photo of Abby Bishop in the uniform of the Opals, Australia’s women’s basketball team. Bishop, who began her career with the Agnes club in the Port Pirie Basketball Association, will be representing her country at the world titles next month in the Czech Republic and will compete in the Olympic Games in London in 2012.