Completed Event: Women's Basketball at Eastern Kentucky on March 19, 2026 , Loss , 58, to, 72
Final Score
Women's Basketball
58
at Eastern Kentucky
72
The University of Utah Athletics
Getting To Know U: Sophomore Isabel Palmer
10/7/2020 8:00 AM | Women's Basketball
The Utah women's basketball program welcomed newcomer Isabel Palmer this summer with Palmer already having Division I experience under her belt as a sophomore. Palmer comes to the Utes after playing last season at the University of Texas where she played in 27 games.
Palmer came to the U.S. after earning New South Wales Player of the Year twice, also earning time for Team Australia as part of the U17 World Cup Team in 2018. Palmer caught up with UtahUtes.com to talk about growing up in Australia, why she loves basketball, and why she chose the U.
Q: After being born in the U.S., what was it like growing up in Australia? Â
A: I was only here for about four months until I moved down under, so Australia is really all I've ever known. I absolutely love my home. The people, the culture, the landscapes, it's all just part of who I am and my identity. Depending on where you live, every Australians' upbringing can be a little different. I grew up on the coast in a city called Newcastle which has a population similar to that of Salt Lake City. Growing up I was always outdoors with my family, whether it be taking the dogs to the beach, fishing, body boarding and surfing, bike riding or just going for a swim at the local beaches/ocean baths. The outdoors plays a big part in Aussie culture. Sydney is only two hours down the road and after driving about 20 minutes inland, you can be in the bush, so home is really the best of both worlds. The basketball system is different back home in that you don't play competitively through your high school but rather through a club or association. Basketball in Australia has formed some of my fondest memories whether it be playing for my hometown, state or country. All in all, growing up in Australia is something that I am so grateful and appreciative of.
Q: Your father played collegiate basketball, did he have influence on your career or help you through the recruiting process?
A: My father was my first coach and played a huge role in my basketball career. Growing up we would always train together. We were so competitive and would run for kilometers racing each other back to the front door. He would rebound for me and drive me hours up and down the coast with my mum to a multitude of basketball tournaments, camps and training sessions. My dad is my biggest critic without question. He is also one of my biggest supporters and even though there are times when we disagreed, he always had my best interest at heart and helped to get me all the places I have been today. In regard to the recruiting process, he was always there whenever I needed to ask questions, however, he let me make a lot of decisions on my own.
Q: What did it mean to you to be named the New South Wales Female Player of the Year in 2018 and 2019?
A: It was a huge honor because it was recognition for all the work I had put in over my junior years. Some very successful players, like Basketball Australia's Lauren Jackson, have been through the same pathway that I have, so to receive an award named after her was something that I will be forever grateful for.
Q: What did it mean to you to get to represent your country at FIBA World Cup?
A: Representing my country on the international stage was one of my greatest experiences to date. To wear the green and gold jersey and represent a whole nation of people, is an indescribable experience and something that no one can understand unless you experience it for yourself. To take the court with some of my best mates and put a lifetime of work to play was so rewarding. Although we had a tough semifinal loss and only came away with a bronze medal, every part of that tournament was memorable and taught me so many lessons. The most special part of it was that I played against some of my current Utah teammates without even knowing it, which just goes to show how special the game of basketball really is.
Q: What are some of the biggest differences living in Australia compared to the U.S.?
A: Obviously, Australia and the U.S. have their differences but there isn't anything major that stands out to me, it's more the little things. I might have a completely different name for something or voice some type of Aussie slang that is unheard of in the U.S. There are the obvious differences like driving on the opposite side of the road, having Christmas in the middle of summer and the way we sound but for the most part I don't take too much notice of differences. The landscapes, Australian lifestyle, and the laid-back nature of our country would be the things that are most different because they are the things that I miss most.
Q: How would you describe your style of play in just three words?
A: Fast-paced, aggressive, energetic.
Q: Who is your favorite professional basketball player and why?
A: In the WNBA I have always loved to watch Sue Bird. I love how her game is so complete and she can score at all three levels. She is a defensive presence and a facilitator in any team she is on. She has great leadership qualities and still thrives as one of the oldest players in the league.
Q: What about the U. made you want to play here?
A: After talking with Coach Roberts and the rest of the coaching staff I just had this feeling that this is where I needed to be. It was harder to make a decision during lockdown as we were not allowed to visit schools, so I based my decision heavily off my relationship with the coaches. Salt Lake City itself was also a place I felt like I needed to experience as well as the white winters. Most of all, I was drawn to the U. because of the diversity of players within the team. To have other people going through what you're going through as an international student-athlete away from home is valuable because you have shared experiences that only make your team more cohesive.Â
Q: What do you plan to study at the U. and why?
A: I am currently studying biology at the U. I may change to nursing in the near future, but I know I want to be somewhere in the health sector studying sciences.
Q: What is your dream job after graduating from the U. and why?
A: My ultimate dream job is to play professionally in the U.S. and in Europe. That has been my goal my entire life and continues to be my passion. Once my basketball career comes to an end whenever that may be, I plan on either becoming a physiotherapist back in Australia or a nurse. I just want to be somewhere where I can well and truly help people. I would also like to dabble in coaching and give back to the younger kids that will be coming through the ranks.
Q: What is your favorite part about being on the team at Utah so far?
A: Everything! Honestly, I am just really happy at the moment with every aspect of being here. I truly believe that people really do make a place what it is, and everyone here really builds such a family oriented and close-knit environment that makes you just want to go to work for one another.Â
Â
Palmer came to the U.S. after earning New South Wales Player of the Year twice, also earning time for Team Australia as part of the U17 World Cup Team in 2018. Palmer caught up with UtahUtes.com to talk about growing up in Australia, why she loves basketball, and why she chose the U.
?? OFFICIAL ??
Coach Roberts signs transfer guard from the University of Texas, Isabel Palmer.
Welcome to the family, @palmerisabel11! ??
?? https://t.co/2t40OwkvtG pic.twitter.com/3ExOXN5jfp
— Utah Women's Basketball (@UTAHWBB) July 13, 2020
Q: After being born in the U.S., what was it like growing up in Australia? Â
A: I was only here for about four months until I moved down under, so Australia is really all I've ever known. I absolutely love my home. The people, the culture, the landscapes, it's all just part of who I am and my identity. Depending on where you live, every Australians' upbringing can be a little different. I grew up on the coast in a city called Newcastle which has a population similar to that of Salt Lake City. Growing up I was always outdoors with my family, whether it be taking the dogs to the beach, fishing, body boarding and surfing, bike riding or just going for a swim at the local beaches/ocean baths. The outdoors plays a big part in Aussie culture. Sydney is only two hours down the road and after driving about 20 minutes inland, you can be in the bush, so home is really the best of both worlds. The basketball system is different back home in that you don't play competitively through your high school but rather through a club or association. Basketball in Australia has formed some of my fondest memories whether it be playing for my hometown, state or country. All in all, growing up in Australia is something that I am so grateful and appreciative of.
Q: Your father played collegiate basketball, did he have influence on your career or help you through the recruiting process?
A: My father was my first coach and played a huge role in my basketball career. Growing up we would always train together. We were so competitive and would run for kilometers racing each other back to the front door. He would rebound for me and drive me hours up and down the coast with my mum to a multitude of basketball tournaments, camps and training sessions. My dad is my biggest critic without question. He is also one of my biggest supporters and even though there are times when we disagreed, he always had my best interest at heart and helped to get me all the places I have been today. In regard to the recruiting process, he was always there whenever I needed to ask questions, however, he let me make a lot of decisions on my own.
Q: What did it mean to you to be named the New South Wales Female Player of the Year in 2018 and 2019?
A: It was a huge honor because it was recognition for all the work I had put in over my junior years. Some very successful players, like Basketball Australia's Lauren Jackson, have been through the same pathway that I have, so to receive an award named after her was something that I will be forever grateful for.
Q: What did it mean to you to get to represent your country at FIBA World Cup?
A: Representing my country on the international stage was one of my greatest experiences to date. To wear the green and gold jersey and represent a whole nation of people, is an indescribable experience and something that no one can understand unless you experience it for yourself. To take the court with some of my best mates and put a lifetime of work to play was so rewarding. Although we had a tough semifinal loss and only came away with a bronze medal, every part of that tournament was memorable and taught me so many lessons. The most special part of it was that I played against some of my current Utah teammates without even knowing it, which just goes to show how special the game of basketball really is.
Q: What are some of the biggest differences living in Australia compared to the U.S.?
A: Obviously, Australia and the U.S. have their differences but there isn't anything major that stands out to me, it's more the little things. I might have a completely different name for something or voice some type of Aussie slang that is unheard of in the U.S. There are the obvious differences like driving on the opposite side of the road, having Christmas in the middle of summer and the way we sound but for the most part I don't take too much notice of differences. The landscapes, Australian lifestyle, and the laid-back nature of our country would be the things that are most different because they are the things that I miss most.
Q: How would you describe your style of play in just three words?
A: Fast-paced, aggressive, energetic.
Q: Who is your favorite professional basketball player and why?
A: In the WNBA I have always loved to watch Sue Bird. I love how her game is so complete and she can score at all three levels. She is a defensive presence and a facilitator in any team she is on. She has great leadership qualities and still thrives as one of the oldest players in the league.
Q: What about the U. made you want to play here?
A: After talking with Coach Roberts and the rest of the coaching staff I just had this feeling that this is where I needed to be. It was harder to make a decision during lockdown as we were not allowed to visit schools, so I based my decision heavily off my relationship with the coaches. Salt Lake City itself was also a place I felt like I needed to experience as well as the white winters. Most of all, I was drawn to the U. because of the diversity of players within the team. To have other people going through what you're going through as an international student-athlete away from home is valuable because you have shared experiences that only make your team more cohesive.Â
Q: What do you plan to study at the U. and why?
A: I am currently studying biology at the U. I may change to nursing in the near future, but I know I want to be somewhere in the health sector studying sciences.
Q: What is your dream job after graduating from the U. and why?
A: My ultimate dream job is to play professionally in the U.S. and in Europe. That has been my goal my entire life and continues to be my passion. Once my basketball career comes to an end whenever that may be, I plan on either becoming a physiotherapist back in Australia or a nurse. I just want to be somewhere where I can well and truly help people. I would also like to dabble in coaching and give back to the younger kids that will be coming through the ranks.
Q: What is your favorite part about being on the team at Utah so far?
A: Everything! Honestly, I am just really happy at the moment with every aspect of being here. I truly believe that people really do make a place what it is, and everyone here really builds such a family oriented and close-knit environment that makes you just want to go to work for one another.Â
Â
Players Mentioned
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