June 9, 2015

Former Lady Eagle Cassie Bates continuing mission in Australia

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Cassie Bates played 77 games in a Carson-Newman women’s basketball uniform from 2009 to 2012 with no thought of having a future career in a uniform, but her faith has led her to Australia. Bates is in her first season competing with the Stirling Senators of the State Basketball League in Perth, Australia. Through 14 games, she is averaging 9.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists per night.

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Cassie Bates played 77 games in a Carson-Newman women's basketball uniform from 2009 to 2012 with no thought of having a future career in a uniform, but her faith has led her to Australia. Bates is in her first season competing with the Stirling Senators of the State Basketball League in Perth, Australia. Through 14 games, she is averaging 9.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists per night.

The Eagle Sports Network caught up with Bates through email for a question and answer session about her experiences overseas.

Question: How did the opportunity to play in Australia come about?
Bates: Somewhat of a roundabout story, but quite a testimony to the craftiness of our God! To be perfectly honest after graduating from Carson-Newman I didn't want to continue playing basketball. Most players that are blessed enough to play overseas have worked their butts off to earn it. That was not the case for me. While I have always enjoyed playing basketball, my dreams of ever getting paid left long ago and were replaced with other passions. If you ask any of my teammates or coaches from my time at C-N they will probably tell you that my love for the game was completely gone by the time I graduated. I worked for a year after graduating in Los Angeles and then in June 2013 I decided to move to Amsterdam and volunteer at a Christian backpacking hostel in the Red Light District. I spent 10 months growing, learning and serving alongside some of the most amazing people I have ever met. Probably 10 of the most pivotal months in my life. Once my time was up there I decided to travel with the focus of ministering to other backpackers and travelers along the way. During my six months of travel I joined a basketball ministry called News Release Basketball. I figured I was loving every minute of my travels so why not incorporate basketball! God worked in some incredible ways during those few weeks and I became really close with the director of the organization. We were very like-minded not only basketball-wise but in our mission as well. Once my travels were over I moved back home to California and began looking for work when Steve, the Director of News Release Basketball, called and told me he knew someone, who knew someone, who was looking for a guard that was a Christian and that he had given them my name! My response was utter confusion. They were looking to replace a guard that had played in the WNBA so I figured my odds were slim to none so I didn't think much of it. God had other ideas I guess, because the next thing I knew I was signing a contract and flying across the world!

Q: What have been some of the best experiences/perks of playing professionally?
Bates: Oh man probably just the weight of being an "import". While I am here to play basketball to the best of my ability, it is definitely not my focus or main goal. American imports in this league are held in high esteem. People kind of treat you as if you're something special just from the title. But with much fame comes much responsibility. Each team in our league has kids teams (kind of like small scale AAU or club teams) ranging from about five years old all the way up to our SBL league. So all these kids practice in the same center as you. We all wear the same jerseys and hang out in the same circles. They really look up to you and take what you say and do to heart. This has been the best part of the job here. I love telling people about Jesus and because of the title "import" there is a certain weight to the words I say and how I act. I can see how God is changing hearts here and I am just so honored to be a part of it.

Q: How did Carson-Newman prepare you for a professional career?
Bates: Basketball wise, we ran a tight ship. There were very high standards and expectations during practices and games. Australia's basketball scene isn't nearly as intense as in the states. So that was good preparation. Off the court I think, especially within my major human services, I was taught and shown how to care deeply and be genuine. Networking is such a big part of how to get ahead in life. But you can't do it with an agenda. Be real. Genuinely invest in people and go above and beyond for them out of service and love without an expected return and who knows maybe one day they will call you and offer you a job in Australia!

Q: What are some of the best memories from being a Lady Eagle on or off the court?
Bates: So many good memories. Definitely more off the court probably because we had a group of crazy girls on our team. We truly had some odd ones. (Myself included!) We would just do some ridiculous things. Chewwy calls down the halls, dressing as Jesus and swaddling babies, pushing broken down cars up hills in Halloween costumes, taking ice baths together, wearing pantyhose on our heads to Taco Bell drive thrus, losing people, line dancing at the Joe, bro-nights, showing up ninety-year-old cloggers at Manley Baptist's Luke 14 Ministry. I am on a crazy walk down memory lane right now. Man college was fun! I was so blessed to have some incredibly wild times and that is in big part to my incredibly wild teammates.

Q: What advice to you have for current student-athletes at Carson-Newman?
Bates: Learn to play your sport for Jesus. Cliché-sounding I know but it really will change your perspective and attitude toward your sport. I always played basketball to get to the next level, be the best, beat everyone down. It was something that consumed me. I wanted so desperately to be the best and then in college that next level was "next level". All of a sudden it wasn't so easy to succeed and I wasn't getting the affirmation and encouragement I used to and I came to realize that I defined myself by my success on the court. It took me a year so of being out of the sport to fully realize I had been playing basketball for all the wrong reasons. I wanted people to know me as some all-star basketball player, which I am not. My motivations on the court became more out of stubbornness, anger, frustration, expectations of others, and self-image. I love a competitive atmosphere. I thrive in it. But there is a difference between competing for yourself/others and competing for Jesus. And I encourage people to explore that more.

Q: What's next for you/How much longer do you plan on playing before pursuing something else?
Bates: No idea! Technically I have only signed a one season contract so I will be flying home in September. I don't know if they will extend it another year or not. Either way, my next step will require a lot of prayer and some more major life decisions. Gotta love being an adult!

Bates keeps a personal blog dedicated to God that she updates with photos and entries by clicking here to follow along with her experiences around the globe. In addition, you can follow along with the Senators and Bates on the court by clicking here.

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