Posted on 18 June, 2008
Erica began her SEABL career back in 2000 as a 17 year old junior on an impressive roster which included WNBL stars Jessica Bibby, Deanna Butler, Caitlin Ryan and Aneka Kerr. Appearing in 15 games during the season she juggled a Vic Metro Nationals campaign while representing her club.
Erica represented her State at the National Championships in 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2002 as well as a 4th placed finish in the Under 14 Club Championships in 1996. She became one of Kilsyth’s most distinguish junior players winning two National titles, a silver and bronze medal and three state titles in 1997, 1999 and 2000.
In 199 games Erica hold various Kilsyth records including 1st all-time assists, 3rd steals, 4th in rebounds and will move to equal 2nd in games played Saturday night alongside Andrea Cartledge. She has averaged 6.8 ppg & 3.9 rpg throughout her career but it has been her impact on and off the court that has made her a valuable contributor to the Club.
In just her third year in the League she was part of the successful SEABL and ABA championship winning side the won 18 regular season games under Coach Gary Fox. Erica averaged 10.5ppg in the team that defeated Bendigo for the SEABL title and Stuart in the ABA championship game.
After a successful junior career and more of the same in the senior ranks Erica worked her way into the WNBL playing two seasons at Dandenong and three with Bulleen. Over the last few years she has put many hours back into the Club as a junior coach working with many of the Cobra teams.
Coach Jason Knight could not speak highly enough of his point guard and her leadership, “I am very proud that Erica has been able to provide such a valuable role to the team this season, and produce week in week out after suffering the heartbreaking loss her father, this shows the true character she possess and that is why she is so inspirational to so many of the juniors in the Club, and why she is held in such high esteem by her team mates, coaching staff and fellow competitors.”
“Erica is one of only a few players at Kilsyth to have played right through its junior system, represented Vic Metro and captained her beloved SEABL Lady Cobra’s. While Erica’s numbers may be slightly off where they might have been in previous seasons, her impact on the team this season is greater than ever,” said Knight.
Two years ago Erica didn’t think she would get to this wonderful milestone and after an incredible tough 2008 she would have been forgiven for having some time away from the game, “It has been a difficult Season, with Dad (SEABL Chairman Hugh McMenamin) passing away, I would have loved for him to have been here, but I couldn’t have scripted my 200th game any better than playing against Nunawading in a team that is once again a true title contender,” she said.
The Club Kilsyth Lady Cobras with their leader Erica McMenamin will take to the court in an emotional game this Saturday night in front of what is expected to be a massive home crowd against local rival Nunawading. Erica is hoping to lead her Lady Cobras back to the success of past Kilsyth teams and with the help of Desiree Glaubitz, who will play her 150th SEABL match Saturday, and the rest of the team, they are well positioned to do so.
Erica will celebrate her 200th game against the Nunawading Spectres this Saturday 21st June at the Snakepit. Tip-off is 6.15pm. Check out all the Kilsyth Basketball News at www.kilsythbasketball.com.au
