For nearly two decades, the Boek family has been synonymous with dedication, leadership and community at Diamond Valley Basketball Association (DVBA). From players and coaches to referees, volunteers and administrators, every member of the family has played a role in helping shape the association both on and off the court.
The Boek family’s journey through DVBA began with their four children, Tom, Ash, Will and Jess, all proudly wearing the Eagles colours from Under 12s through to Under 18s, with several continuing into Under 20s and Youth League basketball. Along the way, they became much more than talented players. Each embraced opportunities to give back to the game, creating a family legacy built on service and commitment.
Tom Boek
Tom’s involvement with DVBA spans almost every aspect of the game. As a player, he represented the Eagles from Under 12s through to Under 20s, with highlights being winning the gold medal at the National Junior Classic in Under 16’s and the following year as a bottom age Under 18 winning the silver meal. Tom then went on to help claim a Victorian Championship title at Under 20 level before progressing to the Big V Youth League, where he played for three seasons.
His coaching career lasted approximately eight years, with a passion for developing the association’s youngest representative athletes. The majority of that time was spent nurturing Under 12 boys, including three seasons as Head Coach of the Under 12.1 Boys and Head Coach of the Under 12 Boys program.
Tom also spent many years playing and coaching at St Mary’s Basketball Club, officiated as a referee, and proudly represented DVBA on a USA basketball tour.
Ash Boek
Ash represented the Eagles from Under 12 through to Under 20s before continuing into Youth League for three seasons, while also playing her junior domestic years at both St Mary’s and Yarrambat. She spent 2 years as an assistant coach in the DV under 12 girls program as well as coaching a number of seasons with Apollo basketball club helping develop young athletes. Like her fellow siblings, she was also a referee for a number of years.
Ash experienced the DVBA USA Tour twice, first as a player and later returning as a coach, highlighting her continued commitment to supporting young athletes both on and off the court.
Will Boek
Will played representative basketball from Under 12 through to Under 18 and has given countless hours back to the association as both a referee and Referee Supervisor.
For the past four to five years, Will coached within the representative program, spending the last three seasons as Assistant Coach alongside Tom with the Under 12.1 Boys. Although selected for a USA Tour opportunity, the trip was unfortunately cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jess Boek
Jess proudly represented the Eagles from Under 12 through to Under 18 and also earned selection in the Victorian, Southern Cross Challenge team at Under 14 level. Like her siblings, she became a qualified referee and was selected to represent DVBA on a USA Tour.
Outside of representative basketball, Jess also played domestic basketball for Yarrambat while remaining a valued member of the St Mary’s Basketball Club community.
A Family Dedicated to Community Basketball
Basketball has always been a family affair for the Boeks.
All four children played domestic basketball at St Mary’s Basketball Club from Under 8s through to Under 18s, creating lifelong friendships and proudly representing their local club. Collectively, the family has been involved in DVBA’s representative program for approximately 17 years, from Tom’s first Under 12 season through to his final year coaching.
Behind the scenes, Nicole and Rob Boek have been instrumental in strengthening both DVBA and St Mary’s through countless volunteer hours.
Nicole has coached junior St Mary’s teams for many years and has served as Team Manager for numerous Eagles representative teams across more than 15 years. She has also held team management and team selector roles at St Mary’s, providing invaluable support to players, coaches and families throughout the association.
Rob has been equally committed to the basketball community, serving on the St Mary’s Basketball Club committee for more than a decade, including four years as Club President between 2015 and 2019. He later joined the DVBA Board as Vice President, serving from 2019 to 2023, while also assisting with association grading and leading numerous fundraising initiatives to help support DVBA’s USA Tours.
A Legacy That Continues
Few families have contributed across so many areas of Diamond Valley Basketball. Whether playing, coaching, refereeing, volunteering, leading committees or supporting representative teams, the Boek family has continually invested their time, passion and expertise into helping others succeed.
Their story is a reminder that great basketball associations are built not only by the athletes who take the court, but by the families who dedicate themselves to creating opportunities for future generations.
As Diamond Valley Basketball celebrates 50 years, the Boek family’s remarkable contribution stands as a wonderful example of the spirit of community, service and commitment that has shaped the association for generations.
