AFTER a missed opportunity last season due to injury, Alicia Froling is set to resume her interrupted start to her WNBL career with Bendigo Spirit.
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Froling was a key signing for the 2019-20 Spirit team, but a wrist injury and the necessity for surgery saw her miss the season last year.
The Spirit knew the value Froling could bring to the team and her re-signing with the team for the 2020-21 season was never in doubt.
Spirit head-coach Tracy York, while disappointed Froling could not suit up last year, moved quickly to ensure she was going to be part of the program moving forward.
"Alicia was definitely a big loss to us last year, but we knew that she would put in the work to recover which was better for the Spirit and for her in the long-term," she said.
"Successful surgery to repair the torn main tendons that run from her pinkie to ring finger, along with the majority of the sheath in her right hand in September last year has seen her hit the floor again and commence the process to return to the WNBL."
Known for her defensive tenacity and voracity on the boards, Froling's rehab has included shooting sessions with her father, NBL legend Shane Froling.
"No matter the obstacle Alicia gets around it to find time to work on her shot and wrist recovery every day," Shane said.
While York may not be relying totally on Froling hitting shots from deep, she is excited that she is healthy and back on the floor.
"I have been in constant contact with Alicia since we signed her last year and have tracked her progress along the way," she said.
"This has also included phone conversations with dad, Shane.
"I have known Shane for a long time and I know how committed he was to helping Alicia getting back on the floor.
"He also tells it how it is and his honesty and commitment is reassuring."
Alicia was definitely a big loss to us last year, but we knew that she would put in the work to recover which was better for the Spirit and for her in the long term.
- Tracy York
Alicia, the twin sister of former Bendigo Braves star and two-time Canberra Capitals championship player Keely Froling, has kept in touch with her team-mates and caches from Townsville via the 'Spirit at Home' Zoom sessions.
She is excited to finally get her chance at a WNBL career.
"After missing last season due to injury I am even more excited to finally get to play in Bendigo and in one of the best leagues in the world," she said.
"Tracy has put together a great team and I'm looking forward to getting together with the group and seeing what we can achieve."
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