The Tauihi team is creating a pathway for basketball in the South, representing past and present Otago players, and creating a positive buzz around the promotion of the women’s game.
They are some of the reasons the former Tall Fern was rapt to re-sign with the Hoiho for her second season.
"Really excited," Gallaher said.
"Obviously, it’s an awesome opportunity to put that singlet back on for another season and also super grateful for the people trusting and giving me this opportunity again."
Gallaher captained the Hoiho in their inaugural season, averaging 8.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.5 assists per game.
The Tauihi league was doing wonders for boosting the women’s game and the standard was set high from the first season, she said.
"It was amazing. The support we got throughout the whole season, from like our community, and just everyone around New Zealand, was so awesome for women’s basketball.
"I guess that’s a pillar of why it’s so exciting to get into another season, kind of knowing what’s ahead."
Todd Marshall has signed on as head coach for the Hoiho this season, a move that excited Gallaher, who labelled Marshall an outstanding coach and a "really great man".
"He has a really beautiful way of bringing amazing people together.
"I think a lot of people respect him massively and that’s a great starting point to start to rebuild an amazing culture and team kind of environment here.
"So I guess off the back of that, just real excited to buy into what he’s got in store."
The team had been training together for about six weeks and Gallaher loved seeing young players coming through and the "beautiful army" of former players adding value behind the team.
"Although we’ve got a squad on paper, what we’re trying to build is so much bigger than just that. I think that’s the most exciting part.
"It’s going to be exciting to see how that goes and that builds.
"We’re really looking forward to stepping out on court and representing the old people and the new people and making a way and making a pathway for these young girls."
