During her much deserved time off from the WNBL last year, Gabe Richards was able to put everything into perspective.
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The double WNBL champion realised that she had more to give and was still eager to play in the national competition.
It was a no-brainer for Richards to sign with the Bendigo Spirit for the 2019/20 season when the offer emerged.
"I'm going to bring leadership and knowledge to the group - I can still compete, put up points and take rebounds," Richards said.
A strong draw-card for Richards' return was working with new coach Tracy York and to play alongside one of her best friends Kelly Wilson.
"The team that Tracy is putting together is not just a talented group of women, but also an exceptional group of individuals," Richards said.
"I'm ready to help put Spirit back on the map and make a push towards playing finals once again.
"Not only because I love the challenge that the WNBL brings, but also because of the people that I get to line up alongside."
So far Spirit has announced the signings of Kelly Wilson, Carley Ernst, Tessa Lavey, Abbey Wehrung, Becca Tobin and Shyla Heal for the coming season.
York said there were no "hesitations" in signing Richards to the Spirit.
"Gabe is a role model, a professional on and off the floor and we welcome her back to the WNBL," York said.
Richards has already accomplished two WNBL Championships with the Spirit from 2013-2014, both with Wilson by her side.
"Kelly and I have grown up playing basketball together and we certainly complement each other's styles - it's always great to play with your mates," Richards said.
"It's also really important to showcase the journey and pathway available to regional Victorian athletes, especially women.
"Kelly Wilson, Tessa Lavey and myself all grew up playing in country towns, yet we all play at the highest level in Australia.
"This shows local kids in country Victoria they can play on the country's highest level, right here in Bendigo."
Wilson was excited to have Richards signed to the team for the Spirit's new era.
"New coach, new team. We're starting from scratch again and that's not a bad thing," Wilson said.
"Gabe and I have played together for a long time, we have a good connection that will translate into the next WNBL season.
"Going into every season the hope is always to make finals and championships - but we won't know until the group is together to see how we gel.
"The aim is to get the Spirit back into finals."
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