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The globetrotting sharpshooter is one of the best Aussie frontcourt players of her generation but it is what she has done off the court which is truly inspirational.
Nine years ago, while at the peak of her basketball powers, Bishop’s life changed forever when at short notice she made the decision to raise her sister’s daughter, Zala, with the newborn at risk of being put into foster care.
Aged only 23 years old, Bishop had gone from a life of focusing on herself and her career to becoming a mother in the space of days.
If her priorities weren’t clear already, Bishop proved to the world that Zala came first when she quit the Australian national team due to Basketball Australia’s strict parental policy.
In the interview set to air on Thursday's (March 3) season launch episode of TAB Courtside 1v1 at 7pm (AEDT) via the , Bishop revealed her shock at the lack of support offered to her as a single mother by the sport’s governing body.
“Zala wasn’t allowed to be anywhere, near anything while I was with the Opals,” Bishop said.
“I thought that was really disturbing.
“It blew my mind to the point where I made a stand and decided to quit.
“I couldn’t get my mind around why Basketball Australia wouldn’t support me and help me; for years, basketball was my life.”
While Bishop’s decision to quit took away many years of playing for her country, it led to a much-needed change in Basketball Australia’s parental policy.
“That for me is one of the proudest things I have accomplished in my career,” Bishop said.
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“I didn’t do it for recognition, I don’t get any recognition, but I look at all the mums who are reaping the rewards from my sacrifice and it makes me happy.
“If I didn’t make that stand and quit the national team, then things probably wouldn’t have changed.
“Even though I missed out, now all these wonderful mums can play in the national team and in the WNBL and do it with their kids.”
In the full interview with Megan Hustwaite, Bishop reflects on the challenges of balancing motherhood with being a professional athlete, answering her doubters and her experience of travelling the world with Zala through her basketball career.
The interview is part of an SBS series - TAB Courtside 1v1, which gives fans a chance to get to know more about the unique personalities that help shape the sport of basketball in Australia.
Hustwaite, who has been covering all levels of Australian basketball for the past 13 years as a reporter, commentator and journalist, will helm the weekly show - every Thursday at 7pm (AEDT) via the SBS Sport Facebook page - where she interviews stars of the past, present and future.
How to watch TAB Courtside 1v1 Season 2 with Megan Hustwaite
- Episodes premiere each Thursday from 7pm (AEDT) via the SBS Sport Facebook page
- Catch up on previous episodes via the SBS Sport Facebook page
