Geelong sign Seattle Storm draftee Mackenzie Holmes

The Geelong Venom have secured their final import, signing Seattle Storm forward Mackenzie Holmes to their roster for WNBL26.

Joining Los Angeles’ Alissa Pili, the Venom have loaded up on American size, with Holmes standing at an impressive 6’3” (191cm) in the midst of her rookie season in the WNBA.

In an outstanding collegiate career, Holmes was hailed as a defensive force (winning the 2023 Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year) and improved her offensive capabilities into a go-to threat for Indiana University.

Holmes is the University’s all-time leading scorer, finishing her career with 2,530 points. She also holds the program’s record for most wins with 123. By the end of her five seasons, she was a unanimous First-Team All-American in 2023, a three-time First-Team member of the Big 10 conference and averaged 22.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game as a senior.

As a result, she was drafted with Seattle Storm’s 26th overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft. She missed the entire season due to a knee surgery, eventually making her debut this year with 10 games under her belt thus far.

Looking ahead to WNBL26, Holmes said she cannot wait to develop her game Down Under.

“I’m really looking forward to joining Geelong for the upcoming WNBL season. I chose Geelong because I’m really excited about this group, and I feel like it’s going to be a great place for me to continue to grow and thrive as a basketball player,” she said.

“Fans can expect someone who is going to work hard day-in and day-out, be a great teammate, and give great energy. I am super competitive person that will do whatever it takes to win and I am just excited to get to Geelong and get to work.”

Geelong Venom Head Coach Chris Lucas explained that Holmes’ WNBA teammate and Opal, Ezi Magbegor (whom he coached with the Melbourne Boomers), helped seal the deal.

“One of the things that really stood out to us was the feedback from Ezi Magbegor, who spoke so highly of Mackenzie as a teammate at Seattle. That kind of endorsement speaks volumes about the character she will bring into our locker room,” Lucas said.

“Mackenzie is the type of player who leads by example. Her professionalism, her work ethic, and the way she carries herself sets a standard for those around her.

“From a basketball standpoint, Mackenzie ticks every box. She has great hands, finishes exceptionally well around the basket, and plays with a calm presence that makes her such an efficient and reliable option inside.”

Holmes joins Elissa Brett, Taylor Mole, Gemma Potter, Alex Sharp, Jazmin Shelley, Shyla Heal, Mackenzie Clinch Hoycard, Lilly Rotunno and Alissa Pili.

The new-look Geelong Venom will debut their new colours at home on October 18th, against college teammate Grace Berger’s Sydney Flames. Get your tickets to every WNBL26 game here.