By Jonty Ralphsmith
Pakenham Youth League women’s coach Ben Gaze has stepped down as coach for family reasons after two seasons at the helm.
Gaze steered the Warriors to a grand final in 2024 and has overseen great growth in the success and sustainability of the Youth League 1 women’s outfit.
The Warriors’ run to the grand final, which contained 16 regular season wins, followed an 11-11 fifth-placed finish last year.
“It’s grown substantially and there has been a big emphasis on pathways for our juniors,” Gaze said.
“This season we’ve had a large portion of the Youth League team from our junior program or are still in our junior program.
“Those players having a viable pathway to play senior level is crucial so people aren’t having to leave Pakenham to play.
“Allowing the girls to flourish in whatever role they’ve had has helped them experience success.
“They’ve all played together for a long period of time which bodes well for the future.”
Gaze is also a former Warriors player and is grateful for the opportunity to lead his own side but will be unable to commit to the role in 2025 as he has a young family.
“I’ve got three kids so I needed to spend some family time and focus on them and their endeavours and have some time to develop memories with them,” Gaze said.
“I’ve loved my time involved – it gave me a new lease on life playing basketball.
“Coaching put a new perspective on the sport where your brain is always ticking, but now it’s time to focus on the family and hopefully spark the basketball fire in my kids.”
Pakenham released a statement on its Facebook page last week thanking Gaze for his dedication to the program.
“While Ben’s departure marks the end of an era for us, the lasting impact he has made on our young players is a testament to his dedication and passion for over a decade,” the statement read in part.
“The players’ progress and development is a significant part of the legacy he will leave behind.
“Everybody involved at Pakenham Basketball players, coaches, parents and the wider community deeply appreciate your commitment and wish you all the best as you embark on this new chapter.”
