Bendigo Spirit has signed young gun talent Shyla Heal for the 2019/20 WNBL season.
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The 17-year-old is the daughter of Australian star Shane Heal, and to put it simply was born with basketball "in my blood".
"I started playing when I was 5-years-old - I grew up surrounded by basketball," Heal said.
Heal has experience representing Australia at the under-17 Oceania Championships in Guam and has been named as part of the under-19 2019 Gems team.
In her rookie WNBL season, Heal was signed to the Perth Lynx.
"It was a pretty tough season last year," Heal said.
"I injured myself three days before the first game and was then out for 12 weeks."
However, Heal was optimistic about the injury as it had taught the importance of looking after your body as an athlete.
"Now coming to the Spirit, I am more aware of recovery and how to look after my body," she said.
The most familiar face Heal will encounter with the Spirit is that of new coach Tracy York, who was her coach while playing with the Australian junior team.
York said Heal was one of the most "promising up and coming point guards".
"She has represented Australia at under-17 and under-19 level and is an outstanding player - determined, hardworking and tenacious all over the floor," York said.
"Shyla will be an asset to our program and her style of play will be exciting to watch."
Heal is currently playing for the Sutherland Sharks in the NSW Waratah League, with her father Shane as head coach of the Women's Championship squad.
Heal is currently averaging 26.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 7.8 assists so far after five games.
"My dad helps me everyday - I just ring him and ask anything and he will give feedback."
With the WNBL season still months away, pre-season cannot come soon enough for the eager Heal.
"I can't wait to contribute and show the WNBL what I can do," she said.
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