BASKETBALL

Inducted in 2020

It is not an understatement to say that Julie Nykiel dominated basketball in the 1980’s. Described as a skilled inside scorer with elite speed to match, the183cm Noarlunga Tigers star left an indelible mark on the WNBL – leading the league in scoring for five seasons and winning Most Valuable Player in 1984 and 1988.

Her domestic dominance would take her to the International stage where she played for the first-ever Australian Women’s Basketball Team to qualify for the Olympics – the 1984 Games in Los Angeles. Julie played a total of 153 games for Australia over 11 years. She also represented her country at the Seoul Olympics in 1988, and three FIBA World Cups in 1979, 1983 and 1986.

Her single-game record of 53 points (set in 1982) stood for over 20 years and was achieved without the benefit of a three-point line.

Julie Nykiel is an Order of Australia Medallist, WNBL Life Member and Australian Basketball Hall of Famer.

Julie also played State League Netball for 10 years, including 8 Grand Finals (winning 5). She also represented SA in Senior State Netball Teams in 1989 & 1991.