RELATED:
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
BENDIGO Bank Spirit has added some big-time experience to its roster, with seven-time WNBL champion and world championship winning guard Nat Hurst joining the club for the 2018-19 season.
The 35-year-old joins the Spirit after an illustrious international and domestic career with University of Canberra Capitals.
She is the only player to have played in all seven of the Caps’ WNBL championships.
Hurst, who won the Caps’ 2017-18 MVP award in her first season back at the club since 2013-14, described her move to Bendigo as like a breath of fresh air.
“I’m super excited to join the Bendigo Spirit and I’m really looking forward to working with the club, and working with (coach) Simon (Pritchard),” he said.
“I believe the club has some great youth coming through and I’m looking to sharing my experience to them.
“I am grateful to have been a part of the Canberra Capitals for so long.
“I have had a lot of success there, but this move to Bendigo has given me and my family a whole new lease on life.”
Hurst’s stellar form for a rejuvenated Caps earned Hurst a call-up to the Opals squad.
Coach Pritchard was naturally excited with what Hurst, who has played internationally in France, offered the team and city.
“Nat is more than just a player, she is an experienced coach on the floor,” he said.
“She brings multiple years of leadership and international experience, having played right across Europe.
“As a seven-time WNBL winner, she has done it the hard way and will be integral in Kara Tessari’s continued development, and a key to extracting all the talent from the playing group.”
Pritchard expected Hurst to become an instant crowd favourite.
“Her plucky court sense is a joy to watch and she has an uncanny rebounding ability for someone with such a small frame,” he said.
“Coupled with her ability to play mismatches, she will be a key to our march back into the finals.”
Hurst is the Spirit’s third confirmed player signing following the recruitment of her former Caps teammate Abbey Wehrung and 2017-18 season MVP Nadeen Payne’s decision to remain with the club.
Hurst won WNBL titles with the Caps in 1999-2000, 2001-02,, 2002-03, 2005-06, 2006-07, 2008-09 and 2009-10.