After a great career in the NCAA at UMass, compiling averages of 10.3 PPG and 6.6 RPG, Senior National team member Tamara Tatham has been playing in Europe, and loving it both on and off the court.

“I have been playing here for a while now, so I have been to many different cities in Germany...my favourite one being Berlin.”

Playing for various pro teams in the past including Toronto Lady Elite (Canada), Catz (Finland), Wasserburg (Germany), Tatham has been excelling with Halle of the DBBL (Germany) since 2010.

“As far as my game goes, I feel really good! I am playing really well right now and that is huge for my team,” explained the Brampton, Ontario born player.

“I am a leader on and off the floor and because I am one of the two oldest, the younger girls really respect and look up to me.”

As a team, Halle’s season has been an emotional roller coaster to say the least. They have won five games in a row, taking Tatham’s squad from tenth place in the league with no chance of a playoff berth, to fourth place, and in position to be bound for post-season action!

“We have to keep winning in order to stay at the top of the league because so many teams have the same record and so one loss can put us as low as seventh place.”

Playing on a team such as Halle has added an element of difficulty due to previous teams such as Wasserburg where dominance was a norm. Tatham also goes on to describe each scenario.

“I have enjoyed all three teams that I have played for overseas. Wasserburg was great because there was so much experience on the team so getting to the finals was not hard to do at all. The town was really small but completely all about the women's team so that was really cool,” she explained.

“Finland was great because the team was so inviting and I was able to feel at ease immediately. That was my first pro club so, that kind of set the tone as far as what overseas could be like.”

Tatham illustrates her current team of Halle as “a home away from home.”

“The club is very good to me and I respect them and the players so much. In all, I would say I enjoyed my time in Germany (at both clubs) the most.”

Not only is Tatham spending time improving her game on the hardwood, but also absorbing the Euro experience to expand and diversify.

“I am picking up a bit of the German language, I am in a class right now and my teammates try to help me out as well.”

However, while competing on the opposite side of the globe, one thing remains consistently on Tatham’s mind; her commitment to the Canadian national team, which is currently eyeing a spot at the London 2012 Olympics.

“Everything I do always goes back to the national team. I am working on different aspects of my game to help in any way I can once the summer begins. Working on myself and my game will make a difference, and I want to contribute any way I can for whatever role I am given.”

The Senior Women’s National Team performed well last year and earned a spot at the final FIBA Olympic qualifier that will be held in Turkey at the end of June.  The upcoming summer will be vital for Tatham and her teammates with a preparation calendar that includes a training camp in the Greater Vancouver area in May, followed by three weeks of training and exhibition games in Europe before arrival at the last competition where they can earn an Olympic berth.

For Tatham, preparations for Canada’s international battles are certainly not being taken lightly.

“The summer with the national team is always on my mind.  There's always room for improvement so I give 110% on the court, in the weight room, and with my nutrition.”

In the meantime, Tatham has to take care of business for Halle…its playoff time!

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