College star Tess Heal commits to Southside Melbourne Flyers

Collegiate superstar Tess Heal has committed to the Southside Melbourne Flyers for WNBL27, pending League review and approval.

The Melbourne junior had a spectacular run in the NCAA, winning a record 12 West Coast Conference (WWC) Freshman of the Week awards and being named to the 2025-26 All-Big 12 Third Team. 

An absolute sniper from the three-point arc and the ball-handling skills to take people by surprise, Heal’s skillset matches the new-look Flyers’ youthful pace under Head Coach Sam MacKinnon. 

For Heal, the move is also a homecoming after playing College basketball in the USA. A Melbourne local, she will return to her hometown ready to take the next step in her career and represent the city she has always called home.

“I’m so excited to be joining the Flyers and coming home to Melbourne for the next two seasons,” Heal said.

“Melbourne has always been home for me, so to have the opportunity to play in front of family, friends and the local basketball community means a lot. The club has a really exciting vision for the future, and I wanted to be part of that. I can’t wait to get on the court, meet the fans and represent the Flyers.”

Head Coach Sam Mackinnon said Heal’s commitment was a significant addition for the club.

“When recruiting Tess it was clear she understands the game and has a clear vision of where she wants her game to go. We’re thrilled to have her with us and to be bringing a Melbourne person back home. It is really exciting for our club and our fans.”

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Back home, Heal has played across the state from Eltham to Melbourne and now Keilor Thunder, playing alongside Maddy Rocci, Isabelle Bourne and Lara McSpadden. 

With the Thunder, Heal is averaging 12.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists sitting inside the top eight of the NBL1 South ladder. 

Heal joins Haylee Andrews, Cayla George, Lara Edmanson, Hannah Hank and Saffron Shiels on the roster for WNBL27.