Home-grown basketball coach Hayden Zasadny will take the next step in his career in 2022 as an assistant to Sarah Veale at the Launceston Tornadoes.
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Starting his coaching journey four years ago through the Devils Basketball Club, the 20-year-old moved into the Basketball Tasmania program before coaching country cup and eventually state teams.
Having played at a state level as a junior, his decision to take coaching seriously was a gradual one.
"I felt when I was playing, that I was more of a smarter player, my ability as a player was taken to another level because of my smarts, so I felt that coaching was for me," he said.
"As soon as I didn't play as much, I realised that and that's how I took it to another level as something I wanted to do."
The former St Patrick's College student, who is 195cm tall, still plays for the Devils' men's side but admitted that playing will definitely take a back seat with Tornadoes and state under-18 girls' coaching duties on his plate.
As Zasadny described himself as thankful for the opportunity to join Veale in the coaches' box, the Tornadoes' head coach was equally happy to have him alongside her.
"Having Hayden come on board is really exciting for our club," she said.
"Hayden, despite his young age, brings coaching experience at State level and has been involved in the BTAS programs as a player and coach.
"Hayden has a high level basketball IQ and is passionate and motivated and already has good working relationships with many of our players."
Having already re-signed last season's most valuable player, Keely Froling, the Tornadoes are in a good place according to chairman Neil Grose.
"The foundation of the Torns' success is in fostering local talent and Hayden joins coach Sarah Veale as a strong local, but nationally competitive, coaching team member.
"The Tornadoes continue to build on our excellent 2021 season and the recruitment of Hayden adds another key element to our team as we strive for a championship in 2022."