'The best moments of my career have always been shared ones' - Welham as more D1W records tumble

The following article was posted on the Basketball England website on 8/1/2026. https://basketballengland.co.uk/news/the-best-moments-of-my-career-have-always-been-shared-ones-says-welham-as-more-d1w-records-tumble

For a competition that spans all the way back to the 1960s, many names spring to mind when thinking about WNBL Division One.

But for the last decade at least, one name sits a considerable distance above the rest.

December was a bumper month for Ipswich's Harriet Welham. Her side's 59-52 victory over CoLA marked the three-time D1W MVP's rise to the top of the league's appearances list (currently 138 and counting), a fitting occasion and opponent given the rivalry between the two sides in recent years.

'Games played' wasn't the only list that Welham climbed to the summit of in the competition's opening half.

Helping her side to a 7-4 record also allowed Welham to clamber to the top of the league's all-time rebounding charts (968), and made three-pointers (275), adding those crowns to a collection that already included most points scored (3,258) and total assists (456) in the Live Stats era (since 2014/15).

Discussing such milestones, Welham was her usual self - humble, team first and always down to earth, happy to shine the spotlight on others that have helped her to achieve.

"It’s a really special milestone for me," said Welham, discussing her recent records. "I’m grateful for the opportunity to keep turning up and contributing year after year.

"I don’t really think about the numbers. My focus is always on what the team needs from me in that game, whether that’s putting the ball in the basket, facilitating or rebounding.

"I try to keep improving as much as I can and always stay open to learning.

"Nick [Drane, Ipswich's Head Coach] does a great job of holding me accountable and pushing me to be the best version of myself."

Drane's story is intertwined with Welham's career. The long-time Ipswich coach is of course flowing with his praise for the league's star, and feels others should be able to appreciate her impact as well.

"It’s awesome to work with Harriet. She’s been with me now for half her life - it’s such an honour to watch her," said the 2023 John Sage Coach of the Year.

"The hours she puts in, the standards she holds herself to and the influence she has on everyone around her.

"I’m still a basketball fan at heart, so I am well aware that we are watching something truly special every time she steps on the floor and I am always urging people to enjoy what she is doing."

For a player that stands alone in D1W's recent history, only the league's steals and blocks totals now elude her, Welham refuses to get lost in the hype.

She's also showing no signs of letting up, with 2025/26 providing yet another chance for Ipswich to add to the their lone D1W playoff title from 2020/21.

Despite her personal recognition, individual success still ranks firmly below what can be achieved as a collective.

"Team success will always come first for me," Welham admits.

"Individual milestones are nice and I’m proud of the work that’s gone into them, but they don’t mean much without winning.

"The best moments of my career have always been shared ones, and that’s what I love the most."

If Ipswich can add to an already well-stocked trophy cabinet in 2025/26 or beyond remains to be seen, but what can't be denied is Welham's undeniable mark on the game.

Well-liked across the league, respected by opponents, appreciated by team-mates, the Ipswich star's impact on the league's recent past, and no doubt for many years to come in the future, can't be disputed.

"To have my name linked with the league’s history means a lot, especially knowing how many great players have come through D1W. It’s an honour, honestly, and something I never set out to chase.

"But ultimately I see it as being part of a bigger story — the growth of the women’s game."