It's a Cole World: Courtney's 'video game' moment

• Courtney Woods won gold with the Opals at the 2025 Asia Cup and averaged 8 points per game
• Her journey from limited court time to team leader highlights her perseverance and growth
• Woods re-signed with Townsville Fire and enters the new WNBL season focused on joy and leadership.

Courtney Woods created history with the Australian Opals, winning gold at the 2025 Asia Cup. This remarkable achievement marked a significant milestone not just for Australian basketball but for Woods personally.

"It was obviously an incredible moment. Even the whole tournament was very surreal," Woods told Bec Cole.

"It was one of those experiences where just kind of everything was going really well.

"We honestly felt like we could beat anyone."

Standing on the podium wearing the Australian jersey with a gold medal around her neck while singing the national anthem was a moment Woods describes as something she'll tell her grandchildren about.

After years of watching the Opals win medals on television, she found herself on the other side of that experience.

Three Weeks in China: Building the Foundation

The team's preparation in China proved crucial to their success. The Opals spent three weeks in the country, playing practice games that helped build chemistry both on and off the court.

"That first practice game we had against China, I think it was about 15,000 people. It was a completely sold-out arena," Woods said.

"I have never experienced anything like that in my whole life. It genuinely felt like I was in a video game."

This intense environment prepared the team for the pressure they would face during the tournament. Between games, the players spent quality time together at their accommodation, playing cards and bananagrams, which strengthened their bonds.

A Mission for Gold

The Australian Opals entered the tournament with a clear goal: to break the pattern of winning bronze medals at previous Asia Cups.

"I think there was this feeling throughout all the prep and then the start of the tournament... we're not coming here to win bronze. We're coming here to win a gold medal," Woods explained.

This mindset carried them through the round games, where they dominated their opponents. In the semi-finals, they defeated South Korea by 13 points, setting up a final against Japan rather than the expected matchup with China.

The final against Japan brought unique challenges, including a typhoon that disrupted their preparation. Despite the weather conditions, the team maintained their focus.

"It honestly just felt like another game," Woods said about her approach to the final.

"It's one of those things where you're like, what day is it? How long have we been here? OK, we're playing Japan. Cool, let's go."

When the final buzzer sounded and victory was secured, Woods described feeling an overwhelming sense of relief followed by immense pride.

The collaborative effort from every team member - from players to support staff - made the achievement even more special.

Woods' Personal Journey

Woods averaged nearly eight points, 4.5 rebounds, and three assists throughout the tournament - a consistent performance that contributed significantly to the team's success.

But her path to becoming an Opal was far from straightforward.

Since joining the Townsville Fire in 2020, Woods has experienced the full spectrum of professional basketball - from sitting on the bench to becoming a starter and eventually an All-Star Five selection.

"When I first came into the league, I just thought everyone had just found success... and I thought if I work really hard for three months, that will happen," Woods admitted. "My first season happened. I didn't play much at all. My second season happened. I didn't play much at all."

After three seasons with limited court time, Woods reached a turning point.

She worked with sports psychologists to address unhealthy connections between playing time and self-worth. Once she separated those elements and reconnected with her love for the game, things began to change.

Leadership and Growth

Now entering her fifth season with the Townsville Fire after signing a contract extension until 2026-2027, Woods has evolved into a team leader.

Her unique journey allows her to empathise with teammates in various situations.

"I've gotten DNPs and I've gotten 40 minutes a game and absolutely everything in between, so I can empathise with every person, no matter what situation they're in," she explained.

Last season, coach Shannon Seebohm suggested Woods could be a better passer, which transformed her game.

"I realised I can expand a whole other 50 percent of basketball by just being a much better distributor," she said.

Words of Wisdom

Woods' advice to aspiring players centres on authenticity and embracing your unique strengths. She points to teammate Alex Fowler, who won MVP at the Asia Cup, as proof that being a workhorse can lead to success.

"It's OK and it's cool to be a workhorse," Woods emphasised.

"You can go out there and get offensive rebounds and be the best defender, and you can only take good shots, be a great cutter, a great teammate. And you're gonna win this huge international award."

For Woods, the key message is simple: "You don't have to be anything but yourself. Your game doesn't have to look like other people's. That doesn't mean you don't impact winning, and it doesn't mean you can't have an illustrious career."

Looking Forward

As she prepares for the upcoming WNBL season with the Townsville Fire, Woods is focused on enjoyment and development.

After falling just short against the Bendigo Spirit last season, the Fire are returning six players from their core group.

"Anytime you can return multiple players, I think we're returning six this year, which is really awesome," Woods said. "The basketball side of that's amazing. But also, it's just so nice to be like, my five friends are coming back."

For the full interview, check the video player above.