BENDIGO’S Kelly Wilson will continue her stellar WNBL career with University of Canberra Capitals.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Wilson, who won her third WNBL championship with Townsville Fire last season, following two previous titles with Bendigo Spirit, has signed a one-year deal to play with the Capitals in 2018-19.
The move reunites the champion point guard with her former Spirit team-mate Kelsey Griffin, who signed a two-year deal with the Capitals earlier this year.
Wilson, who is enjoying a stand-out SEABL season with Bendigo Braves, joins a star-studded line-up that includes Opals representatives Leilani Mitchell and Marianna Tolo.
The 33-year-old said reconnecting with Griffin, who she played alongside in the Spirit’s 2012-13, and 2013-14 national championship wins under former coach Bernie Harrower, was chief among her reasons for making the move to Canberra.
“I’ve heard great things about Gorrie (head coach Paul Goriss) and when you list the team he has put together for this season, it’s a pretty exciting prospect,” she said.
“When you get to a certain age people start asking about retirement, but while I’m still enjoying the game and playing well, I’ll keep going,” she said.
Announcing the signing on the Capitals’ website, Gorriss could barely contain his excitement.
“Kelly is a selfless player and is in great form playing for the Bendigo Braves in SEABL where she is averaging 15.9 points per game and leads the competition for assists with 10.7 per game.”
“She is a fierce competitor, a great passer and works hard on the court. She won two WNBL championships alongside Kelsey and we are hoping that this imposing combination can lift us to the top of the table this season.
“She can swing between the point and shooting guard positions, so we love the versatility she can bring alongside Mitchell and Maddi Rocci.”
Wilson, a teacher at Bendigo South East College, will move to Canberra in September.
The 16-year WNBL veteran played the last of her eight seasons with the Spirit in 2015-16.