Lauren Scherf saw the kangaroo dart on to the road, then felt the whack of her car crumpling around a tree.
The Canberra Capitals centre has plenty of reasons to be nervous before the start of the WNBL season. But hitting a tree at 60 kilometres per hour and being lucky to escape with minor injuries is the reason she'll have nerves of steel when she hits the court.
All smiles: Lauren Scherf was lucky to escape a car accident with just a broken collarbone.
Scherf will step into some giant shoes in the opening rounds of the season, filling the hole left by injured Olympian Marianna Tolo.
But nerves? No way. Scherf has already had her dose of nerves for the year and an accident that could have been so much worse has put her basketball career in perspective as she prepares to help launch a finals mission.
Scherf broke her collarbone and had bruising around her stomach after swerving to avoid the kangaroo on her way home from coaching at a Basketball Victoria clinic two months ago.
"I started crying when the doctor told me I would be out for six weeks," Scherf said.
"I was so scared, I thought [Capitals coach Paul Goriss] would hate me because we've had so many injuries. But he was just thankful that I was still alive.
"I'm still getting my range back, but I'm so thankful that I'm ready to play and I don't have a worry in the world. I can just go for it.
"My dad spoke to me and made me think about it. I could have had a [head injury] or not been able to walk after an accident like that. I'm so lucky to get away with what I've had.
"I just appreciate things a lot more right now. I'm lucky to be here … just the little things you don't think about. I guess it put things in perspective, I wouldn't wish it on anyone."
The Capitals are ramping up their WNBL preparations and will play two pre-season games against the Aisin AW Wings next week.
They start the regular season when they play against the Sydney Flames at Sydney University on October 12, and Scherf will shoulder a big responsibility in the opening weeks.
The 22-year-old is one of only a handful of players who were part of the Capitals squad last season. The Australian junior representative is already in her sixth season of WNBL action and averaged 5.86 points and 4.9 rebounds per game last year.
But with Tolo recovering from a knee reconstruction, Scherf is ready for more game time and responsibility.
She was averaging 22.3 points and 13.9 rebounds per game for Diamond Valley in the South East Australian Basketball League before her accident, which ruled her out of the finals series.
Lauren Scherf will have an increased role with the Capitals this season.
"Trying to fit into Tolo's shoes is still going to be hard, but you've just got to soldier on and get through it," Scherf said.
"I feel like my game went to another level in the SEABL and I was so happy about it. It was really annoying to have that accident because it stopped everything in its tracks.
"It's really exciting to have all of these new girls. It's going to be a really great team and I'm really excited for what the [coaches] have got from us for the season to come.
"I'm excited and ready for what's about to come. I want to take it with both hands, get out there and play and hopefully help us go towards a championship."
United States import Kaili McLaren arrived in Canberra on Friday and will link with the Capitals on a short-term deal to help cover Tolo's absence.
WNBA draftee Kia Nurse will play for Canada at the world championships in Spain before relocating to the capital, while Leilani Mitchell is struggling to overcome a foot injury.
Goriss has built a new roster this season in the hope the Capitals will burst back into the finals for the first time since 2011.
Scherf, Keely Froling, Maddison Rocci are the only players returning from last season after a massive squad turnover. But Tolo is back in Australia and will be a key element when she recovers from knee surgery.
WNBL PRE-SEASON
Tuesday: Canberra Capitals v Aisin AW Wings at Belconnen Basketball Stadium, 6.30pm. Entry is free.
WNBL ROUND ONE
October 12: Sydney Flames v Canberra Capitals at Sydney University, 7pm.
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