Webb takes on GBA presidency at 'exciting time' for island basketball
Guernsey's most-capped female basketballer is stepping off court to take on an important new role.
Although Emma Webb is retiring from playing, following her team bronze at the home Island Games, she will instead be giving back to the sport as Guernsey Basketball Association president.
She will be filling the big boots of previous president Pete Beausire, who is stepping down after two decades on the committee.
‘It’s an exciting time to be involved in Guernsey basketball, with the momentum we have built from the Island Games and all the people that want to be involved in playing and supporting the basketball community,’ she said.
‘I am looking forward to taking over the hard work that has been happening and that has set the association in good stead for the future.’
Her election as president could be seen to provide a big boost for women’s basketball, though that is already in a healthy place – even more so after the home Games.
A recent women’s taster session attracted 25 new players to the courts.
But Guernsey 2023 also provided Webb just the sign-off she wanted, having picked up more medals and appearances at the biennial spectacle than any other Sarnian female player.
After over two decades of play, her retirement may not be an easy adjustment.
‘It’s a bit surreal,’ she said.
‘Basketball has been part of my life for so long and I don’t think I will feel anything until the season starts and I’m not playing.
‘I wonder then if I will feel like I’m missing out.’
Nevertheless, she anticipates being busy overseeing a new committee as they continue to drive the sport forward.
One area of uncertainty ahead is when basketball will next feature at the Games.
The exclusion of basketball at Orkney 2025 and Ynys Mon 2027 was set to leave a crater in fixtures at this level, but Webb has welcomed talk from the latter island that they are looking to include it after all.
‘I am told that basketball is likely to be in Ynys Mon 2027,’ she said.
‘It’s good we have not got that six-year gap – now we have got four years.’
A planned Games-style tournament between the British ‘home islands’ in 2025 could shorten the gap further.
