Watson is a name synonymous with the Melbourne Tigers, but who knew that there was such a formidable woman working right alongside the man who is now renown as the ‘godfather’ of the oldest basketball club in the country.
The importance of Betty Watson (OAM, Basketball Victorian Life member and one of only 6 Basketball Australia Hall of Fame Legends) to the Melbourne Tigers should not be underestimated. Her support of husband Ken and sons Ray, Ian and David ensured that the Tigers would become a club recognised country and worldwide. Not to be overshadowed, Betty forged her own basketball path and became the first president of the Victorian Women’s Basketball Council and the Australian Women’s Basketball Council. Betty was pivotal in the founding of the Australian Junior Championships and received the Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to the development of women’s basketball in Australia. Basketball Victoria awards the Female Player of the Year the Betty Watson medal while the WNBL named their Rookie of the Year Award in her honour.
Betty was a perennial team manager of Victorian State and Australian national women’s teams and oversaw the emergence of female athletes who are now household names.
Following the death of Ken and a permanent move to her home in Airey’s Inlet, Betty continued to seek new challenges and adventures as she moved through retirement. An artist with a flair for pottery, she became a well-known member of her community and surrounds, exhibiting in local galleries and nursing homes.
Betty will be forever a Tiger and her legacy will remain an important foundation of our club.