Warrnambool Mermaids teen Matilda Sewell settling into Big V

The 14-year-old is in her first year of Big V basketball, a competition her mum former WNBL star Kate dominated as a player and her uncle Matt Alexander as a player and coach.

Sewell, a year nine student at Emmanuel College, said it felt good to continue the family's tradition at the club.

"Every time I put it (the Mermaids' jersey) on I feel pretty proud. It feels good to put on the uniform," she said.

"I was pretty nervous before it (first game for club) and mum made sure I felt good and pumped me up a bit and then she has been watching all my games and making me feel more comfortable.

"After all the games they (Kate and Matt) tell me what I can do better and they help me and coach me to get better."

The emerging Mermaid said her coach also helped her build confidence.

"Lee (Primmer) is really good because he lets you know what you can do better and what you have been doing well,' she said.

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"If you do something right you can hear him cheering for you on the bench which is really good. It makes you feel good after you have done something well because he screams it out to you."

Sewell, who has played six games in her first season, said the playing group also helped her feel comfortable at the level.

"The girls are very supportive and I feel very welcomed," she said. "The first training I was a bit nervous but the older girls are nice and are good to play with and everyone is quite supportive."

The Mermaids junior said she was still adjusting to Big V.

"In juniors I would play a big but because I'm not the biggest on the team anymore I've had to play the three or four (small or power forward), which is a bit different," she said.

"I have got better at knowing when to shoot, having the right shot selection and when to pass. Lee has helped me move out from just sticking in the post because up against bigger bodies it's a bit harder to do.

"At first going up against stronger bodies was a bit nerve wrecking but then I got used to it. Now when someone pushes me I'll push back and I feel more confident in myself."

The Mermaids play Melbourne University at home this weekend.

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