To say that basketball plays a huge role in the Theodore family’s lives is quite the understatement. Mum (Kayelene) has been playing representative basketball for the Jet’s for around 30 years. Her four daughters (and son) were introduced to the sport from an early age, and a love for basketball clearly runs in the family.

The basketball connection does not rest with just the ladies in the Theodore family. Son and brother, Jordan (12), plays in the Melbourne Utd. VJBL for the Sunbury Jets and Dad, David, has coached various Sunbury teams at different stages over the years and is currently coaching the U16 girls at Bulleen.

"The kids grew up running around stadiums," David said. "In fact, we introduced our eldest daughter (Kayla) to basketball from a very early age. She was born in October and less than a month later, Kayelene, Kayla (3 weeks old) and I headed up to Albury for their annual tournament. From that point on, basketball became a way of life for all of our kids."

Outside of the family’s MMBL commitments, Felicity & Bethany also play in the VJBL for the Bulleen Boomers, Kayla is a member of the Sunbury Big V Women’s team and Brodie has played for the Vic Metro State Team and went on to represent Australia in the Pacific Championships in New Zealand in 2013.

Having her daughters join her on court was a huge buzz for Kayelene, "I always hoped I would get the opportunity to play with my girls, however, on the night it was a bit unexpected…We were light on in numbers and after a few unsuccessful calls to try and get some more players, I turned to the girls and said, Ok everyone in the car, I need all of you to play tonight." Kayelene laughed.

Looking back now, I feel so privileged to be able to take the court with my girls. I am always so proud of them and the young ladies they have become."

Second eldest daughter, Brodie said, "It was pretty special to get to play with mum and my sisters. Basketball is something we all have in common and it’s something that brings us together as a family. For each of us, basketball means something different, so to be able to hit the court together, I know we were all feeling something special."

For Bethany, who already has a long lists of basketball accolades for such a young player, credits this latest achievement as one of her highlights "Getting to hit the court with my mum and sisters was a new a whole new experience for me. I’d never really thought about it before we all stepped out on the court, but I think it is a special moment we all now will share as a family."

"Basketball is such a major part of our lives. I have grown up playing and it was great to be able to share the moment with my mum and sisters, all of whom, have influenced my game so much."

The youngest daughter, Felicity, is hoping the ‘Theodore 5’ will become a regular line up. "For me, it was a great experience to be able to play with my mum and sisters. I have always watched them play and I really look up to all of them. Getting the opportunity to hit the court together was a thrill and an experience that I won’t forget."

What does the future hold for the Theodores? Whilst Kayelene plays the odd game here and there when needed, her focus now is on coaching and generally spends more time steering the troops from the sidelines more so than on the court.

With 5 kids playing at a high level combined with training commitments, life is anything but boring for the Theodores. "I remember back in 2012, we had all of our kids playing in the VJBL and all 5 made Grand Finals, plus, David was the coach, that was a juggling act but we managed to do it," laughed Kayelene… Clearly, outstanding organisational skills are another family trait of the Theodores.