\n<\/p>\n
Welham has been part of nine trophy-winning teams, including three National Cups – she was MVP in last year’s final against Brent Bulls – and three Division One titles.<\/p>\n
She does, though, have another call on her time as the club’s Under-18 girls’ team, which she coaches, are through to the National Cup age-group final.<\/p>\n
“Obviously the women are gutted that we’re not in it [having won the trophy in 2018, 2024 and 2025], but the Under-18s are flying the flag for Ipswich,” said Welham. <\/p>\n
“They’ve started the season really well, again there’s been an injury crisis, but they’ve managed to pick up wins and we’re really excited for the final [against Nottingham Wildcats] next weekend.<\/p>\n
“Worcester is a great arena, we’ve played there in the league a couple of times… so it’s something different. It’s got an exciting feel about it.”<\/p>\n
Drane said it had been great to see Welham “blossom” into a fine coach in addition to “all her ridiculous accolades” as a player.<\/p>\n
After the final, though, it will be full focus on the senior women’s team and Division One, which is anything but predictable. <\/p>\n
“The league doesn’t make sense, and I mean that as a good thing, and a complement to the teams in it,” said Drane.<\/p>\n
“It is going to come down to who is the healthiest and the fittest when these key games are happening, but I think the team that win the league this year, might win it with five, six, seven losses.<\/p>\n
“It’s crazy really, what’s happening.”<\/p>\n
Welham’s experience and resilience will be a key factor for Ipswich, so how does her coach sum her up?<\/p>\n
“I just think it’s incredibly disappointing that she doesn’t get more blocks and steals,” he joked.<\/p>\n
“In all seriousness, she’s been part of my programme for 14 years and I spend more time with her than pretty much anyone else in the world.<\/p>\n
“The pride I have in watching her develop as a coach, and the joy she brings me as a coach when she’s playing for me, is like nothing else I’ve experienced.<\/p>\n
“Ipswich basketball, sport in Suffolk, need to understand that we have in our presence the greatest player in the history of the National League playing in little old Ipswich and she’s a homegrown player too.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n