RELIEVED to put a 2015-16 WNBL season of uncertainty behind her, Nadeen Payne is looking forward to getting her career underway with the Bendigo Spirit.
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The Townsville-born 23-year-old is one of four newcomers to the Spirit roster this season, alongside the side's new imports Blake Dietrick and Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe, and SEABL recruit Ashleigh Karaitiana.
She spent last season with the drama-plagued and now defunct South East Queensland Stars.
The club was rarely out of the headlines, releasing their import DeNesha Stallworth, struggling to attract sponsorship and going into liquidation on the same day the Stars' high-profile coach Shane Heal was moved on.
In a clear demonstration of resilience and strength of character, the Stars however managed to qualify for the finals, even winning their first post-season match before losing a preliminary final to Townsville and having the doors shut for good.
Months on an Payne appears to have taken the experience in her stride.
"We had to handle a lot of adversity, but as a team we really pulled through," she said.
"It was an unbelievable group of girls.
"I was really proud to be a part of that team at the end."
Payne has settled seamlessly into her fresh environment and has displayed encouraging form in the Spirit's opening two practice matches, both wins over Melbourne Boomers and Dandenong Rangers.
She is particularly looking forward to playing alongside Kelsey Griffin and Gabe Richards, opposed to matching-up on the Spirit stars as she has done in past seasons.
"The Spirit have always been tough, but especially last year when they had Kelsey, Gabe and Belinda Snell too," Payne said.
"To see what the Spirit have been a part of in the past five years I've been in the league, it's a club you would want to come and play for.
“(Kelsey) is really awesome to play with and against. Nayo’s the same, she is someone who will really challenge me at training, as will Gabe.”
Payne spent the winter playing in the Queensland Basketball League with Gold Coast Rollers, where she averaged 25.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists.
The former Australian under-age was confident her first initial impressions of Bendigo would be lasting.
"It's cute, small and really community-based and being from Townsville I really appreciate that," she said.
