After representing Australia on an international level as an Opal, Tessa Lavey will return to the Bendigo Spirit for the 2019/20 WNBL season.
Since her time with the Spirit from 2013-15, Lavey has played in multiple WNBL teams, the Australian national squad and scored a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
"There were plenty of factors which made me want to return to the Spirit," Lavey said.
"Tracy York contacted me to let me know she wanted me on the team."
"It's great to be part of a club that wants you."
Lavey described the return to the Spirit as a "huge honour".
"It has a rich history filled with success and so much talent has come through the program, I'm happy to be back."
"For me it's about getting back to where I feel confident that I'll be able to grow as a player and a person.
Spirit coach Tracy York was happy to have secured a player with extensive knowledge of the game.
"Lavey has great experience as a player and the fact she is determined to keep developing is even better," York said.
"She is an incredible recruitment for the Spirit."
York has never worked with Lavey before, but knows she has secured a top player.
"But, I've certainly heard plenty of great things about her as a player," York said.
"And she is a fantastic person both on and off the court."
And the respect between player and coach is mutual, with Lavey excited to be on the team for York's first year as coach.
"It's going to be great to have a new voice around the Bendigo basketball program, especially a coach with so much experience," Lavey said.
"Tracy will be going after a quick game style which really suits the way I play and it will also be good for all of the other players coming through.
"I'm looking forward to working with Tracy and the talent we already have signed here in Becca Tobin and Abbey Wehrung."
Spirit will be holding open tryouts this Saturday April 6 at the Bendigo stadium from 9:30am-11:30am.
Lavey currently plays with the Bendigo Braves in the NBL1.
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