Troy University Athletics
Photo by: Kangaroo Photos
Former Trojan McAppion Playing Professionally
10/17/2013 2:51:00 PM | Basketball (W)
Canberra Capitals | WNBL
TROY, Ala. – Sarah McAppion spent five seasons in a Troy uniform for the women's basketball team, now the darling of the Trojans' program looks to begin a successful career back home in Australia in the Women's National Basketball League (WNBL).
The Canberra native joined her hometown Capitals over the summer and couldn't be more excited to be back on the court.
"I always knew I wanted to continue [playing basketball] after college. I had more opportunities to continue playing back home rather than in the U.S.," she said. "I always dreamed of playing in the WNBL. It's even more special now playing for my hometown team. Most of my family and friends haven't seen me play since before I went to Troy. Now, they get to see me play the game I love."
The WNBL began play in 1981 and since that time the Capitals have won more league titles – seven – than any other team.
Despite being home, McAppion went through an emotional period after leaving her friends in Troy behind.
"I cried a lot my last few days in the states, I left a lot of great people behind," she said. "Moving back to Australia was tough and sad because I knew there were people I would never see again. I am happy to have my family and friend around all the time, though."
Basketball doesn't take up all of McAppion's time, however. During business hours she works for the Australian government in the Department of Industry. The team practices three nights a week.
McAppion, who played prep ball at the Australian Institute of Sport, says re-acclimating to basketball Down Under took some time but feels more comfortable every day.
"There are a lot of differences. It's a lot more European, a lot more physical," McAppion said. "There's an adjustment for players coming out of college, too. It's a professional league, you're expected to prepare yourself more, eat right and take care of yourself."
The 5-foot-9 rookie shooting forward has played in two of Canberra's three games this season as the Caps have posted a 1-2 record. At Troy, McAppion finished third in the Sun Belt Conference her senior season making 52 percent of her shots from the field.
McAppion's career was almost cut short when she suffered an ankle injury her sophomore year in 2010. After a pair of surgeries and a redshirt, McAppion returned to the court in 2011. She graduated from Troy with a degree in biology and plans to pursue a career in that field but basketball will be in the mix for as long as she can play.
"My goal is to have a breakout rookie season and play in the WNBL as long as I can," she said. "I have a lot of opportunities in life and that all started with attending Troy. Once a Trojan, always a Trojan."
You can follow McAppion and the WNBL by visiting www.wnbl.com.au.
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