In our latest FIMBA GB Story, +45 Women’s Centre, Lisa Cochrane, talks about how she re-discovered her love of the game when FIMBA GB Scotland was formed in January 2025.
Basketball has been part of Lisa’s life from a very young age, beginning playing at Beacon Basketball Club at just eight years old, where her dad was the coach. Lisa loved the game from the start and practised at every opportunity, earning selection for the Scotland Development Squad at the age of 13.
Unfortunately, a serious car accident the following year meant she missed the chance to play at cadet level. Despite this setback, Lisa remained determined and, at 17, secured a place in the Scotland Junior training squad. With no National League women’s team in Aberdeen at the time, she continued playing locally until a senior women’s National League team was established in 2008. Lisa was selected to the squad, but her time at that level was cut short by a knee injury that required surgery.
After surgery, Lisa had several attempts to return to the game, but recurring injuries and the feeling that she couldn’t play at her previous level led her to step away to allow the body time to heal. What was expected to be a short break turned into several years due to Covid. By the time basketball returned, Lisa had lost fitness and confidence and questioned whether competitive play was still possible. She stayed involved in the game as a coach but always missed the fun of actually playing.
Starting to play again recreationally at her local club gave her the buzz needed, but when FIMBA GB Scotland was formed in January 2025, Lisa really rediscovered her love for the game as a player. Last season, Lisa dipped her toe in the water of competitive play entering the local league and started playing in competitive games again.
Away from the court, Lisa works in the oil and gas industry as a Senior Contracts Specialist for Anasuria Operating Company. The role is varied, fast-paced, and never the same from one day to the next — something she really enjoys.
AOC places a strong emphasis on people and culture, and I’m fortunate to have incredibly supportive colleagues who make it easier to balance work with basketball commitments and travel. I’ve been happily married to my husband Glen for over 20 years, and we have two children, Alex and Isla. Glen is a keen golfer and all-round sports fan and has been hugely supportive of my return to basketball. I’m especially grateful for his willingness to act as chauffeur on the long drives to Leicester for training!
Thanks to Phil White, FIMBA GB Aberdeen was born in January 2025, and Monday nights quickly became Lisa’s favourite night of the week.
There is something very special about masters basketball, where a wide group of people can get together and enjoy a shared love of the game. The Aberdeen +40 ladies participated in masters tournaments in Strathclyde and Galway in our first year, establishing a strong core of players in the north of Scotland to keep the program going. The mental and physical benefits have been tremendous and lifelong friendships have been formed.
During the summer, Lisa’s daughter, Isla, was selected to represent Scotland at the Ball Out 3×3 events.
Watching her commit to her fitness programme, travel independently to Dunfermline for training, and ultimately compete in Essex and Bristol was incredibly inspiring.
Seeing her dedication motivated me to challenge myself and consider playing competitively again. In October, I travelled to Leicester to attend the FIMBA GB +40/45 training camp. Going alone was daunting, especially not knowing quite what to expect. The running in the first session pushed me right to my limits (huge thanks to whoever set off the fire alarm in that first session — if you know, you know), but I left feeling energised and motivated to improve.
Any worries about not knowing anyone quickly disappeared; the players and coaches were welcoming, supportive, and encouraging from the start. The feedback from the coaching staff has been fantastic and has given me renewed belief and motivation — and yes, the running really does get easier with each session. It is an absolute honour to be selected to represent FIMBA GB at the Masters Games in Abu Dhabi, and I’m incredibly excited to make my debut with the team.
Thank you for sharing your story, Lisa. We are so pleased to see basketball has been and will be a major part of your life and are glad you caught the basketball bug again. We are incredibly proud to have you as part of the FIMBA GB Family.
