Word from the Coach

When I was very young my parents spoke to me about remembering where you come from, where you are at and where you want to go.

Your Wollongong Hawks are about to embark on our 3rd season as a not for profit community owned Club and I wanted to take this opportunity to acknowledge where we came from, where we are at and where we want to go.

Rich in history, the Wollongong Hawks are the last remaining foundation club in the National Basketball League. When you think about it, comparing the size of Wollongong above all the other cities, it is something pretty special that 32 years on we are still standing strong. This is a tribute to the community and the passion they have for the Hawks - from Members, to Players, Volunteers, Staff, Sponsors and Corporate Partners.

The first NBL game ever played was at The Snakepit, Wollongong in 1979 and in 1984 was the first time the Hawks made the play-offs which was an amazing time. You could see the passion, enjoyment and satisfaction of the whole community who supported the team. Back then we were an association team, there were no private owners, it was the Members who were the volunteers and made the Club what it was. It was a very special time.

When I look back I remember those that sacrificed their time, energy and money to build the Snakepit stadium - the home of basketball in our region. I remember those that lobbied for the WIN Entertainment Centre, those that were foundation supporters of the Club in the early days and the many who sponsored financially through the years to support the Club. It is quite incredible and has come from passionate people.

It has now been two years since a group of foundation members provided the working capital to get our community owned Club established, just like the old days. With the support of our Members, Sponsors and Corporate Partners we have proven that our model works, we are in the community more than ever and we are building a team that is having an impact on the NBL.

Looking at where we are now I am so proud to be here as Head Coach of a not for profit community owned team. What I found when I came back was that a lot of the early days culture was there in the Club again. It was truly amazing to see that passion, that desire and commitment, which has rallied behind to support this new venture in the NBL and in our community.

Over the past two years the success as a Club has been great, but for me what has been better is to see the enjoyment on people's faces from all different parts of the community - from the disadvantage kids through to the corporate world and everyone in between. From Game Nights, community events and corporate networks, there has been so much enjoyment in the success of the Club. You could see the passion, enjoyment and satisfaction of the whole community has returned.

As a Club it is important we know where we want to go. We have a long-term on court plan to build a playing roster that competes to the highest level in the NBL while developing grassroots basketball in the region. Off the court we have and continue to develop life changing community programs that have already impacted over 10,000 local school students and people of all ages in the Wollongong region.

Without our Corporate Partners and Sponors we couldn't do what we do for our community. As a Corporate Partner great things can continued to be achieved by the Club in your community. On top of this your financial contribution provides great return for your business and the best corporate hospitality experience in Wollongong allowing you to indulge yourself and your valued guests, employees and family.

As a Sponsor you have an opportunity high exposure of your brand on a local, national and international level. With teams in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Gold Coast, Townsville, Cairns and New Zealand our competitively priced sponsorship opportunities are a great fit for any business based in Australia or New Zealand.

Our mission as a Club is to be recognised as a sustainable not for profit organisation whose networks and relationships strengthen the community and promote and develop the sport of basketball.

The key to our pursuit of this sustainable success is the continued support at every level of our Club, especially from our Corporate Partners and Sponsors.

I am determined that every time our Corporate Partners and Sponsors come to watch us play in 2011.12 that they will be proud of the spirit that our players display and enthralled by what happens in the game.

As a Corporate Partner or Sponsor you deserve nothing less and your ongoing support is vital to the Wollongong Hawks's future.

I look forward to you being a part of our team in season 2011.12.

Gordie McLeod
Head Coach
Life Member
Player 1981 - 88
Wollongong Hawks

Gordie Mcleod | Head Coach

Gordie McLeod was already known as one of Australia's more talented Point Guards when the new NBL started in 1979.

He joined his home town team the Illawarra Hawks for the inaugural season and captained them to the first NBL playoffs for the first time in the clubs history.

Gordie McLeod played for the Australian Boomers at the 1978 FIBA World Championship in the Philippines, helping the team to a then best 7th place. He also represented the Boomers at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow.

Gordie McLeod started his NBL coaching career as the first head coach of the West Sydney Razorbacks in 1998. He lead the team to the NBL Grand Final series in 2002 and 2003-04.

2006-07 he would sign to be the head coach of the leagues new Singapore Slingers leading them to the NBL playoffs in their first year in the league. After the Slingers withdrew from the NBL following the 2007-08 season, McLeod was appointed as assistant coach of the Australian Boomers squad for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.

McLeod re-joined the Wollongong Hawks as head coach for the 2009-10 NBL season, leading the team to their third NBL Grand Final. McLeod was rewarded for his coaching efforts during the season as he won his first NBL Coach of the Year award.

The Hawks had an injury hit season in 20010-11 and they just missed the playoffs despite a 15-13 record. McLeod finished the year with a career NBL coaching record of 149 wins, moving him to 14th in all time coaching career wins.

Please contact our Manager Corporate Sales & Partnerships for details on Head Coach Sponsorship of Gordie McLeod.

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