Patricia (Trish) Cockrem

Born in Ayr on 17 May 1961, Patricia was educated in Ayr at both Primary and Secondary School level. She learned her basketball from her father Myles. During her school years, Patricia participated in many sports, and was a leader in both sporting and school activities.

She came under the influence of Olympian Ian Watson at an early age and this continued when he became the State Director of Coaching in 1979. Other coaching influencers were Patsy Nielsen, Vince Flynn, Pam Hamilton-Smith, and Harry Spencer.

Basketball success came with Premiership wins in the Townsville competition, and selection in Queensland Under-16 and Under-18 teams. She captained the Queensland Under-16 team which won Queensland’s first girls’ National Title. On completing her secondary education, Patricia was recruited to the St Kilda Club in Melbourne and was a member of its1981 and 1982 WNBL Championship Teams. In one year, with Trisha as a major force, St Kilda won the Victorian State Championship, the Australian Club Championship, and the WNBL…..a rare feat.

Patricia represented in the Australian Women’s Team from 1981 to 1986, competing (among others) in World Championship in Brazil, Commonwealth Championship in New Zealand (Gold Medal), and Olympics in Los Angeles thereby becoming a member of the very first Australian Women’s Olympic Basketball Team. Trisha retired from International basketball in 1986.

As a player only 5’6” (167cm) tall, Trisha was a dynamic guard with explosive speed. She was strong and an excellent defender. She was a fierce competitor and excellent team player. Her leadership was a very important part of her success.

Returning to Queensland, Patricia played for Ipswich in the local Metropolitan competition, represented the Lady Bullets in the WNBL, and played in the Southern Districts Basketball Association, and continued as a successful Senior and Junior Coach at National, State, and local association levels.

Patricia was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in 2000. Patricia Cockrem – a trailblazer for women’s representative basketball in Queensland and as a member of the very first Australian Women’s team to play in Olympic competition. She reserves a special place in Australian basketball history and is a very worthy member of the Class of 2016 of the Queensland Basketball Hall of Fame