A Bulldog in the Outback

Having all of the talent in the world does not always guarantee success.
In order for a person to become the best at any endeavor undertaken, he or she must first have the utmost drive and dedication. Without it, talent becomes wasted.
One person who has certainly melded her commitment and talent is former Ville Platte High standout basketball player Breonna O’Connor. The skilled hardcourt athlete has just signed a deal to play professional ball with the Coburg Giants, a team based out of Australia.
“I’m so excited to have this opportunity to be able to play on the professional level,” stated O’Connor. “I have the chance to extend my career and continue doing something I have loved to do ever since I was small. This is a once in a lifetime experience. Now I know all of the hard work I have put in has paid off.”
Of course, this comes as no surprise to all that have seen her play over the years. Anyone who has had a chance to watch the exciting 5’7 guard on the court knew she had the savvy and skill to get her to this level. It was just a matter of putting in the work and time needed to hone those skills.
O’Connor’s work ethic and her love for the game started when she was just four years old. It was at that time, her mother, Michelle Williams, bought O’Connor her first basketball and goal. From that point on her dad, Geronimo, began working with her on every aspect of the game.
“My dad was really tough on me,” said O’Connor. “He was always pushing me to get better. I remember one time it had snowed in Ville Platte and he took me out to the courts at the park and made me shoot free throws. I can recall crying and saying ‘Daddy, my hands are cold.’ But, he would not let me go in until I made my free throws.”
“Now that I look back on that, I really appreciate what he did for me,” she continued. “I think that is where I got my passion for the game. If he would have not pushed so hard, I don’t know if I would be in this position today. Both my mom and dad are my biggest supporters and have done a lot for me.”
O’Connor took that passion and put it to use on the court, first with the Evangeline Parish Youth Basketball program and then with Ville Platte High and the Acadiana Stars in AAU. O’Connor began her stint with the Lady Bulldogs as a sixth grader, playing on the junior varsity squad.
By the time she was in seventh grade, O’Connor was seeing playing time on the varsity basketball team. From her eighth grade year until she graduated in 2013, O’Connor was a fixture in the starting line-up, leading her team to five straight playoff appearances, including a state runner-up title her freshman year.
When her high school career ended, O’Connor found herself being one of the top scorers in school history. She finished with 2,152 points, 539 assists, 405 steals and 373 rebounds. O’Connor was named District and Parish MVP all four years, as well as being named to the All-State first team from her freshman year up until her senior season. She also was selected to participate in the All-Star game in 2013.
Because of her success at her alma mater, O’Connor was honored on Saturday by having her jersey retired, a promise kept by Ville Platte High head