YOUNG gun Tessa Lavey has re-signed with the two-time defending champions Bendigo Spirit.
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The 21-year-old will return to the club for a further two WNBL seasons.
Lavey said it was a big decision to commit to the Spirit for two years but ultimately said Bendigo was the perfect place to continue her basketball development.
"It was a big decision, but I feel that I have the support here," she said.
"Certainly Kristi (Harrower) and Bernie (Harrower) have my back.
"It is a good group of girls which makes it easy, I am definitely looking forward to the next two years, it is exciting."
The point guard said having the opportunity to chase a third consecutive WNBL title would drive the Spirit.
"Hopefully we can get a three-peat but it is going to be hard," she said.
"We all need to keep working.
"All the other teams have recruited well, but so have we, we have Belinda Snell, so it is really looking good."
So far, Kelsey Griffin, Gabe Richards, Heather Oliver, Chelsea Aubry and Sara Blicavs have signed on with Bendigo.
"It is great to see that everyone wants to stay, it is a credit to the club and the people around it," Lavey said.
"The girls make it easier to come to training, we all work hard and I know there is people here that are going to support me.
"Everyone is just excited about whats to come."
Bendigo Spirit coach Bernie Harrower said he was excited to re-sign such an exiting young player.
"Tessa has such a bright future ahead of her and we are looking forward to her returning and continuing to improve and develop her game," he said.
Lavey has spent time with the Opals, taking part in several training camps in preparation for the upcoming World Championships.
Last week, the Opals spent time on the Central Coast.
"Opals camp was great, it was a good six days," Lavey said.
"We all worked hard, now I am just looking forward to the next few months and seeing how I go."
Lavey said she would find out on Wednesday if she would be selected to be a part of the Opals' tour of Japan.
"Who knows what could happen," she said.
"I could be in the 12, but I don't know. I have to wait and see, but it is all very exciting."
