Forestville’s 2025 season is shaping up to be one to remember, with five Forestville friends returning to the court for the NBL1 Central Women’s Team in the blue and yellow.

Samantha Simons, Gabi Vidmar, Ella Sawyer, Jessica Simons, and Maddy Freer are gearing up for their 2025 season, which promises to be bigger and better than ever. These players first hit the court together in the Forestville U10 Girls’ Program, playing a significant role in their lives from the start. As Samantha puts it, “I spent my entire junior career here, with countless nights in a basketball stadium, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Now, after time away from the club, returning to play alongside their childhood friends makes this season even more special for them. 

These players have been fortunate enough to branch off and attend the Australian Institute of Sport, study in College in America, and even play with WNBL teams, where they’ve fine-tuned their skills. But in 2025, they’ll return to their roots, playing together with the goal of claiming the NBL1 Central Championship.

Ella Sawyer reflects on her return, saying, “Returning to Forestville, where it all began at eight years old, and playing with some of my oldest and best friends feels like a full-circle moment. This season is about so much more than just wins and losses; it’s about cherishing the journey, playing for each other, and representing the club that has shaped us.”

Maddy Freer, who has been with the club for the past 15 years, expresses how important Forestville has been to her growth as a player and a person. “Playing for the last 15 years at Forestville is something truly special to me. Basketball has been a major aspect of my life since I first began playing at the age of 6, I wouldn’t know what to do without it. I’m beyond excited to be back this season, playing alongside the friends I grew up with. It’s incredible to see those who started as juniors work their way up through the age groups and reach the NBL1 level. It’s a testament to just how special Forestville is as a club, and I cannot wait to get back to playing.”

Gabi Vidmar reflects “It’s super special to be back playing alongside these girls after all these years. I think it shows how important Forestville has been for all of us. To all be back in Adelaide and playing for Forestville again is something, I know we’re all really looking forward to.” 

Jess Simons states, “It’s incredible to see so many longtime members of this special club return this year to play together again. Forestville has been a huge part of my life from the very beginning; growing up around trainings and the NBL1 team while my parents coached was all I knew as a kid. I spent my entire junior career here, with countless nights in a basketball stadium, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Now, being back with the friends I grew up playing with makes this season even more exciting. We’re here to do something special, and we can’t wait for what’s ahead!” 

Now, after players being away from the club, returning to play alongside their childhood friends makes this season even more special for them. We can’t wait to see what the entire Forestville Women’s Program brings to the court in 2025. They’re here to do something special, and we’re all excited for what’s to come!