Wildcats Association Series | Chloe Zorzi, Goldfields Giants

At just 18 years old, Chloe Zorzi is already in her fifth season of NBL1 West basketball, playing for her hometown team, the Goldfields Giants, averaging 8.7 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game this season.

The Kalgoorlie local began her NBL1 career in 2022, when she joined the Giants as a 14-year-old, becoming one of the first rookies to suit up in the inaugural NBL1 Goldfields Giants Women's team.

"Kalgoorlie is my home, my family's there."

"The Giants have just given me so many opportunities. When I was 14, I was part of the NBL1 squad. I'm training with imports, which not many people are doing, and it just feels good to keep representing the community."

Having racked up over 60 NBL1 games in her career, the regional Western Australian now embarks on the next step in her journey as she departs for Colby Community College in Kansas, USA, later this year.

"I'm super excited. I'm excited to get over there and compete. Different environment, different coaches. We've got girls from all over the world playing, so it will be interesting to see how everyone works together."

Before beginning her next chapter over in the States, Chloe is focussed on the season in front of her, and the team is having its best season in the Women's program's history.

The team is quietly having its best season ever, sitting in 6th position with a record of 9-9, making this their winningest season ever. Their continued development has given them a strong chance of making their very first finals appearance.

"When I first started, I think we would get maybe three wins a season, and this season we're pushing for a position in the playoffs, which is really cool and exciting."

Being a talented basketball prospect from a regional town comes at a cost. With fewer participants in Kalgoorlie compared to metropolitan areas, many hours a week are sacrificed to ensure the best development. This means regularly travelling 589km to Perth multiple times a week for NBL1 games and the Perth Lynx Academy.

"Normally my Mondays are off. Tuesday's NBL1 training, travel to Perth to train for the Lynx Wednesday morning. Sometimes I go back and train on Wednesday night. Thursday's training. Friday is like a do our own thing, and if we're playing away, then weekends are NBL1 games, and then it just starts back again."

It's déjà vu for the Zorzi family, with Chloe's little sister, Kaylee Zorzi, earning her first NBL1 contract with the Goldfields Giants at just 14 years old. It's a full-circle moment for Chloe as she gets to help her sister along a familiar pathway.

"We butt heads a little bit, but it's really cool to see that she's doing the same thing at 14 in the NBL1 program. Just helping her because I've been through it, and our family loves it."

"I think we've had family at every game, whether we're in Perth or at home."

Being a product of the Kalgoorlie Basketball Association and the Goldfields Giants, Chloe is a testament to the sacrifices and dedication that regional athletes must make.

"I would tell them if they want it, they have to go after it. There's not as much opportunity in Kalgoorlie as there would be in Perth. So you've got to sacrifice a lot, but when you do get opportunities like trying out for state teams and getting into programs, you've just got to take it."

For Zorzi, Kalgoorlie will always be home. Her family is there, and the Giants program gave her opportunities most young players never get, training alongside import players at just 14 years old. As she heads off to compete in the United States, she carries that community with her, and hopes her journey keeps the pathway open for the next wave of Goldfields talent.