Australian basketball is without one of the stalwarts of the game after former Opals captain Jenna O’Hea announced her retirement from basketball via Instagram on Tuesday night.
O’Hea, who is currently playing for the Southside Flyers, wrote in the post that she will be retiring from the sport at the conclusion of the WNBL season.
Her career has been one of the most dominant that Australian basketball has seen - 17 years of professional basketball in both the WNBL and WNBA, as well as a formidable Opals tenure that lasted 12 years and saw her captain the team on two occasions.
This includes three WNBL championships and six WNBL All-Star selections, as well as three major medals in international play; gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, silver at the 2018 FIBA World Cup, and bronze at the 2012 Olympic Games.
Earlier this year, O’Hea withdrew from the Opals team competing at the World Cup Qualifiers, citing her physical and mental fitness coming off the back of a disappointing Olympic run, and contracting COVID.
JENNA O'HEA ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!
— 7Olympics (@7olympics) July 30, 2021
Tie game with 2.1 seconds left in regulation!#Tokyo2020 | #7Olympics | @JennaOHea pic.twitter.com/KsMzOD1MsW
In her post, O’Hea spoke about the difficulty she had in making this decision and thanked those that had helped her during her career.
“I have given my whole heart, body, soul and mind to this great sport and I simply have nothing left to give,” O’Hea said.
“I have spoken to my family, close friends and teammates - and I am so lucky to have many, many other teammates, coaches, fans and supporters that have been part of this incredible journey. I'd like to thank each and every one of you for your incredible support during my career.
“We have three games left for the season, and Thursday night will be my last on Melbourne soil. If you can make it down to Dandenong Stadium it would be greatly appreciated - and please know I'll definitely cry big, ugly tears - but they are happy tears, because I know the time is right for me.”
Sandy Brondello, O’Hea’s national team coach, commended her on her career.
“Jenna’s commitment and contributions to basketball in Australia and internationally have been outstanding. Her record and achievements in the game both individually and for the many teams she has played, speak for themselves and she deserves every accolade and acknowledgment that comes her way,” Brondello said.
“She has played and led the game at all levels and always wore the green and gold with great pride throughout her 12 years with the Opals. She was an inspiration to her teammates which is what every coach wants and needs on their team.
“Jenna can certainly walk away proud and satisfied of not only her achievements in the sport but also knowing that she has also inspired so many others throughout her career.”
O’Hea will play her last game of her career on the 19th of March when the Southside Flyers face off against the Adelaide Lightning at The Lights Community and Sports Centre in Adelaide.
