Perth Lynx Stars Amy Atwell and Ally Wilson Eye WNBL Championship Victory
Perth Lynx co-captain Amy Atwell has humorously suggested that if the club secures the WNBL championship this season, the trophy should be stored at the home she shares with her partner and teammate, Ally Wilson. This playful idea stems from their shared journey, as the couple moved into a house together in December, solidifying their bond both on and off the basketball court.
From Long-Distance to Teammates: A Basketball Love Story
Atwell and Wilson have been in a relationship for three years, but their path to becoming teammates was not straightforward. They initially met while representing Australia in 3x3 basketball, yet spent their first WNBL season apart, with Atwell playing for Perth Lynx and Wilson based in country Victoria with Bendigo. This separation posed significant challenges, as Atwell reflected on the difficulties of a long-distance relationship between two professional athletes.
"I was having a really good year personally the first year we were together, but it was hard being away," Atwell said. "We were playing for different teams with similar schedules but had to deal with different time zones. That was hard. You're on your phone a lot more because that's part of long-distance relationships."
When the opportunity arose for them to join the same team and live in the same state, they eagerly seized it. Now, as co-captains of the Perth Lynx, they are focused on achieving a shared dream: winning the WNBL championship together.
Championship Aspirations and Grand Final Pressure
The Lynx are currently engaged in the best-of-three grand final series against Townsville Fire, having lost the opening game 88-79 after a dominant third quarter by the Fire. Despite this setback, Atwell and Wilson remain optimistic, with the next game set for a sold-out crowd at the Perth High Performance Centre on Sunday.
Atwell, who scored 19 points in the opening game and averages 20 points per game across her four grand final appearances, is determined to make up for losing the grand final in 2024. Wilson, who has already won two WNBL championships—with Townsville in 2015 and Sydney Flames in 2017—was in the stands supporting Atwell during that 2024 loss.
"It would obviously be pretty cool," Atwell said about potentially winning a championship with Wilson. "To have that shared memory and win a championship together would be really cool and something we could look back on for the rest of our lives. Winning a championship for the club in general would be unreal because there's only been one in history. To bring the second one home would be huge on its own."
Overcoming Challenges and Building a Strong Partnership
Playing alongside Wilson for the past two seasons has been a refreshing experience for Atwell, who highlighted the unique challenges of being in a relationship with another basketball player. The couple's decision to no longer endure long-distance was a key factor in their move to play together, and it has positively impacted their performance and personal lives.
"That was one of the biggest things we spoke about when we were both going to free agency and potentially playing together," Atwell explained. "It was that we could no longer do long distance. That's definitely been good."
As the Perth Lynx prepare for the crucial second game of the grand final series, the story of Amy Atwell and Ally Wilson serves as an inspiring example of love, perseverance, and teamwork in professional sports. Their journey from long-distance partners to championship contenders underscores the dedication required to succeed at the highest level of women's basketball.
