How to describe Michelle Teo? the words ‘strong’ and ‘fragile’ come to mind, seemingly contradictory terms, but effortlessly encapsulated in one player. If you ever have the misfortune of running into her in the game, you’ll have bruises for weeks “its a bit like running into a metal rod” (said one teammate who would like to remain anonymous). But leave her on her own and she will usually end up injuring herself, often found on the floor in the key, no-one quite sure how she got there. One likely explanation is her fearlessness when it comes to driving to the ring, you’d need to be mad or stupid to get in her way!
Michelle’s love for basketball started in at the age of 17 in Singapore where she grew up, her natural talent for the sport led her onto the school team where she developed her skills and love for the game. This was to continue when she came to the UK where Michelle captained the Women’s Blues team at Oxford University. Whilst there, she also represented The Queen’s College in the intercollegiate cuppers, leading the women’s team to back to back victories, as well as playing on the (mixed) men’s team which also ran away with two successive triumphs.
She recalls some of her most memorable moments, which include scoring a game changing 3 pointer during a men’s game “I like to surprise people, people don’t expect me to get the rebound or score a 3”, a lesson to those foolish enough to underestimate her. She also fondly remembers the first women’s Cuppers final, holding the opposition to a bucketless second half with a strong and coordinated defence, she admits she was annoyed her team even let them score 4 points in the first half! Equal emphasis on attack and defence illustrates the well rounded player she is, not only focused on offensive plays, but keeping a strong D at all times. Her broad skill set underpins the reason she can play in any position.
Injuries continued to be a regular feature, playing with a broken finger in the first women’s finals and torn ligaments in her ankle in the second final, and of course – winning both. Injuries never slowed her down, light-heartedly she adds “you know I think I’d enjoy playing more if I didn’t injure myself so much!”
Oh the things you do when you’re young! However, after suffering a significant injury, Michelle (reluctantly) took a hiatus from the sport after she left university… that is, until she found Soul. Three years ago, Michelle joined the Soul family and its hard to imagine Soul without her. Her wise and thoughtful presence makes her a wonderfully calming energy to the squad, and also earned her the unofficial nickname ‘sensei’.
Michelle’s talents don’t end off court, if she’s not making shots on court, she’s pouring shots off court. The self appointed ‘social secretary’ of Soul, Michelle is often the ring leader when it comes to social events, keen to make sure everyone is drinking having fun. A stark contrast to her serious nature on court, Michelle is friendly and welcoming to all that come her way.
From calming to motivating, thoughtful to vocal, composed, inclusive, strong (and fragile)… it’s no wonder she is the most versatile player we have.