Rocci zeroes in on World Cup dream

Three WNBL championships. More than 200 games. An Asia Cup medal with the Opals. But one goal still drives Maddy Rocci: representing Australia on the sport's biggest stage.

After narrowly missing selection for the 2024 Olympic Games, Rocci enters one of the most important stretches of her career with September's World Cup in Berlin firmly in her sights.

“To represent the Opals at a major tournament is something I’ve been trying to do for a while now and, as you get towards the back end of your career, it’s a goal that’s just been playing in my mind,” Rocci said via the Herald Sun. 

“The World Cup and Olympics are creeping up really quickly and I’ve done everything I possibly can.

“If I can achieve that before my career does end, it’ll be a major highlight alongside so many things, but, if I can’t … it doesn’t define me as an athlete, and it doesn’t define what I’ve done in the game.”

Related: Lifelong dream realised as rising star Bonnie Deas set for Opals debut, Maddy Rocci eyes World Cup berth

Rocci’s plans for Berlin come directly after her best WNBL season to date, averaging 16 points, 6.9 assists and 4 rebounds. 

Leading her side to the Finals, Rocci’s heroics were rewarded with a training camp contract in the WNBA. 

Signing with Sandy Brondello’s Toronto Tempo, Rocci will be top of mind for the Opals coach after her fortnight-long stint in the Northern Hemisphere. 

Rocci will have one final chance to impress Brondello and make her World Cup case when the Opals face China at John Cain Arena in a two-game series in July. 

Will we see Rocci make the final 12? 

Read more about the two-game Opals series here. 

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