Adelaide sign NBL1 Central duo for WNBL26

Image via: Dan Cowley & Picture It Sports

The Adelaide Lightning continue to make moves, adding two key pieces to their roster in guard Jasmin Fejo and forward Ashlee Strawbridge.

The duo will add to the club's already formidable core of star talent, complementing the likes of Steph Talbot, Tayla Brazel and import Sania Feagin.

On the 18th of June, the club hosted an 'Open Run' for NBL1 players, where Head Coach Kerryn Mitchell found her "diamonds in the rough".

Jasmin Fejo (Woodville Warriors)

Former Adelaide Lightning guard Jasmin Fejo is set to make a return to the league for WNBL26.

She made her WNBL debut back during the 2022/23 season, where she played three games for the club. Since then, she has become a premier point guard in the NBL1 Central competition, winning two Championships as the starting facilitator for the West Adelaide Bearcats (2022) and the Central Districts Lions (2024).

In 2025, Fejo made the move to the Woodville Warriors, where she is averaging a career-high 21 points while dishing out 4.6 assists per game. Currently being mentored by Australian sports icon Erin Phillips, Fejo will be the perfect backup guard for the Lightning.

Currently playing in the SANFL competition, Fejo's athleticism transcends past the basketball court, being able to run the fast break as well as taking spectacular marks.

Having seen what she can do in the Open Run and in NBL1 Central, Mitchell cannot wait to see Fejo back on the WNBL floor.

"Jasmin represents what we love about South Australian basketball. She's a super athlete, runs the floor hard and moves so well. She brings a great competitive spirit," she said.

"She's a great role model and I'm delighted she's joining the team to inspire the next generation of girls playing basketball in Adelaide and across South Australia."

Ashlee Strawbridge (West Adelaide Bearcats)

New Zealand Tall Fern Ashlee Strawbridge will join the Adelaide Lightning for the upcoming WNBL26 season.

Joining fellow New Zealanders Ella Tofaeono and Sharne Robati, Kerryn Mitchell's squad will have a uniquely Kiwi flavour. As an assistant coach of the Tall Ferns, Mitchell has used her connections well to fill out the Lightning's core roster.

Having collegiate experience with the New Mexico State Aggies and domestic experience in the Tauihi and NBL1 Central competitions, Strawbridge's WNBL debut will come with plenty of reps behind it.

Standing at 6'1" and with the ability to stretch the floor, she will be an all-around threat for the Lightning this coming season. Averaging a career-high 10.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and shooting 37.8 percent from three-point land - her versatility will be critical to Adelaide's success.

What will we see out of the star forward in the upcoming 2025 FIBA Women's Asia Cup? Check out everything you need to know about the tournament here.