Five-time WNBL champion returns to Bendigo

2019 WNBL MVP and five-time champion Kelsey Griffin has re-committed to the Bendigo Spirit ahead of WNBL27, pending League approval.

The former Australian Opal and WNBA star boasts one of the greatest resumes in WNBL history. With five championships, an MVP award, three Grand Final MVPs, six All-WNBL appearances across the first and second teams, and a Defensive Player of the Year award to round out her legacy.

The US-born veteran played 24 games for the Spirit in WNBL26, averaging 11.7 points and 10.3 rebounds per game in yet another impressive WNBL campaign.

Bendigo Spirit General Manager Dan Jackson explained the significance of Griffin’s return to the club.

“Kelsey’s importance to the Bendigo Spirit can’t be overstated. She’s one of the greatest team players our League has seen, but what makes her truly special is the impact she has on the people around her,” he said.

“She was instrumental both on and off the court throughout the year. Her professionalism, competitiveness and ability to bring people together are second to none.”

Returning to the side for an 11th season, and a 15th season in the league overall, Griffin has re-committed off the back of the blockbuster acquisition of WNBA star and former UC Capital Jade Melbourne for the upcoming season.

However, Griffin explained that the decision wasn’t necessarily a straightforward one.

“I truly believed last season would be my last. Every WNBL season demands a lot, and that one [WNBL26] demanded everything. I was well and truly ready to figure out what’s next,” she said.

“But when my teammates messaged asking me to go around again, they gave me a genuine sense of belonging, something that isn’t easy to find in professional sport.

“What excites me most about another season isn’t what I might achieve; it’s watching this group continue to grow and being part of that day to day.”

Griffin joins Georgia Booth, Izzy Borlase, Jade Melbourne, Olivia Pollerd, Kelsey Rees, Casey Samuels and Abbey Wehrung for the WNBL27 Season.