Louella Tomlinson has been picked for the Opals squad.
Camera IconLouella Tomlinson has been picked for the Opals squad. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

From injury to Opals selection

Denise S. CahillWestern Suburbs Weekly

The 26-year-old is part of a 34-player squad that will take part in two camps and compete in Europe before the Olympic team is announced in August ahead of Rio de Janeiro next year.

"I found out about two weeks before the end of the (Waves) season," Tomlinson said.

"The fact that I was coming back from injury gave me the biggest boost because I really wanted to play."

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The Melbourne-raised basketballer, who joined the Waves in 2014, suffered ligament and tendon damage to her ankle in a match against the Dandenong Rangers in December.

"The doctors said they weren't sure if Id be back," Tomlinson said.

"This year is the qualifier for the Olympics so that's my goal.

"Im pretty excited. I've never been picked in the squad but I do have experience playing college basketball in America and in Europe so I can use that experience to help me."

Olympic medallist and former Women's National Basketball Association player Lauren Jackson is also part of the Opals squad.

"I said to my mum the other week that I couldn't wait to play with the best players in Australia, it will be a great experience," Tomlinson said.

The only West Australian in the squad, Tomlinson is playing for the Willetton Tigers in the State Basketball League this season.