40th Anniversary Honourees – Jan Collinson
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Deakin Melbourne Boomers, individuals who have made special contributions to the Boomers and our history will be honoured at each Home Game at the Boom Box.
For our Indigenous Round this Sunday December 3 at the Boom Box, Jan Collinson is the esteemed individual whose history and success with the team will be celebrated.
Jan Collinson is acknowledged as the founder of the then Bulleen Boomers WNBL program in 1984, and a visionary in women’s basketball who paved the way for hundreds of players and the community which we cherish today.
Jan passed away earlier this year and her loss is felt deeply in the Boomers community knowing all the work she did to make the Boomers what they are and what they represent today.
Jan’s contribution to the WNBL was acknowledged in 2001 with the league awarding her Life Membership, as well as being receiving then Bulleen Boomers Club Legend status.
Jan’s love for the Melbourne Boomers was unwavering when she was alive, even 40 years on from founding the club. Jan was a constant presence at Boomers’ home games, cheering on her Boomers with her family from her courtside seats.
WNBL legend Michele Timms, who credits Jan for giving her the opportunity to fulfil her dream of playing in the league, remembers Jan as a pioneer, visionary, and someone who can only be described as the matriarch of the Boomers.
“We’re so indebted to what she did as part of the Boomers’ history. She is the Boomers’ history,” Timms says.
Jan remained involved with the club even after the license was handed over to the current ownership group in 2016, taking the role of mentor to current Chair Tony Hallam. Hallam remembers that “Jan was always there to listen and offer her counsel when asked”.
Jan Collinson leaves an indelible legacy which is demonstrated by the countless opportunities afforded to hundreds of young players and thousands of fans over four decades through her tireless effort, passion, and vision.
We as a club and community are forever indebted to Jan for all she has done and will continue to carry the Deakin Melbourne Boomers forward in her spirit and memory.
Linda Geheran, Jan’s daughter, said that she was “so proud” of her mother’s legacy and that her mother was being honoured for the 40th anniversary of “the team she loved”.
“Mum’s motivation was to provide a pathway for female players to play at the highest level. She would do anything she needed to do on game day, even sit on the door! She was always at every home game and just loved watching the team.”
Linda will be attending the Indigenous Round Home Game and receiving the honour on her mum’s behalf on Sunday against the Perth Lynx at the Boom Box, 3pm. Click here for tickets!