For Adelaide AFLW recruit Taylah Levy, the old saying of persistence pays off, couldn't be more accurate.

As a talented multi-sport athlete as a junior, four years ago, Levy was forced to choose between a career in the AFLW or an adventure abroad playing college basketball at Cleveland State University. 

Ultimately, the Victor Harbour product opted for the latter, and embarked on a hoops journey in the USA. 

But the Crows, who were keen on securing her services back in 2019, continued to keep tabs on Levy’s progress overseas. 

And when she decided over the summer she was keen on a move back to football it was no surprise that it was the Crows that sat atop the list of her potential AFLW suitors. 

“I have always loved the game of football, so even though back in my younger days I chose to go down the path of basketball and go to the US, I always had the intention of coming back and playing footy,” Levy told AFC Media. 

“I’ve been in contact with the Crows for a few years now, they were always supportive of my decision to go over to college and pursue that, while keeping tabs on whether I’d be keen on coming back. 

“So when I eventually did decide to come back to footy, I knew I had a bit of interest from the Crows so I gave Kat Gill (Adelaide’s AFLW List Manager) a call and we quickly came to terms for me to join the list. 

“Since (I made my decision to play basketball) the competition has grown so much, and I can’t wait to be part of something special with the Crows.” 

Over her three seasons of college basketball, Levy averaged 4.2 points and 1.8 assists per game in 54 appearances. 

She said the skills she picked up both on and off the court in the US would put her in great stead moving into this next chapter. 

“My experiences over in the US will be huge for me, people don’t actually realise how much a professional environment can set you up not just on the field or court but for life,” Levy said. 

“I picked up so many skills and qualities over in America, you are 36 hours from home over there so I quickly learned about facing adversity and how to handle that. 

“In the college Basketball environment you learn a lot about what makes you successful as an athlete and although there is still more to come, I am set up well for this next chapter.” 

Joining Levy in this next chapter is a trio of South Adelaide premiership teammates Montana McKinnon, Teah Charlton and Hannah Munyard - all of which played a key role in the club’s 2016 under-16 Premiership. 

She said she could not wait to link up with her former teammates and create more memories. 

“It’s awesome (to be able to play with those girls again), I’ve already been talking to a few of them and we can’t wait to get started,” Levy said. 

“One of the things that drew me to the Club was how welcoming all the girls were, after having a few meetings with some of them in the lead up to signing it honestly just felt like home. 

“The environment here is fantastic and hopefully we can all share success together.” 

As for what Levy believed she would bring to the Crows squad, she said her willingness to compete was her strongest attribute. 

“Position wise I don’t really care where I play or what role I play, I just want to compete,” Levy said. 

“My knowledge of how a professional environment works and all that type of stuff will hopefully help us as a squad get better. 

“But personally I know I can count on bringing a ruthless edge to every training session and game as all I want to do is help the team win.”