After giving her “whole heart” to Australian basketball for more than a decade, two-time Opals captain and dual Olympian Jenna O’Hea has announced her retirement.
O’Hea, who made 81 senior appearances for Australia across 12 years and was captain at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics team, recently stepped away from the game to address her mental health.
A three-time WNBL champion and five-time WNBL All-Star through nearly 300 games, O’Hea is retiring from international and domestic basketball at the end of this WNBL season.
“I have given my whole heart, body, soul and mind to this great sport and I simply have nothing left to give,” O’Hea wrote in an emotional social media post.
“I have spoken to my family, close friends and teammates – and I am so lucky to have many, many other teammates, coaches, fans and supporters that have been part of this incredible journey.
“I‘d like to thank each and every one of you for your incredible support during my career.”
Opals coach Sandy Brondello lauded O’Hea for what she had given to the game.
“Jenna’s commitment and contributions to basketball in Australia and internationally have been outstanding. Her record and achievements in the game both individually and for the many teams she has played spxjmtzyweak for themselves and she deserves every accolade and acknowledgment that comes her way,” Brondello said.
“She has played and led the game at all levels and always wore the green and gold with great pride throughout her 12 years with the Opals. She was an inspiration to her teammates which is what every coach wants and needs on their team.
“Jenna can certainly walk away proud and satisfied of not only her achievements in the sport but also knowing that she has also inspired so many others throughout her career.”
