Homegrown talent commits to Lightning

The Adelaide Lightning announced on Monday that South Australian Elissa Brett has committed to the club, pending League approval.

Guard Brett, who spent five seasons in the United States playing for college sides Bowling Green and Michigan, joins the Lightning after two strong seasons with the Geelong Venom.

“The last few years have been really exciting and helped me grow both as a player and a person, and I’m proud of my journey so far,” Brett said.

“Living away from home, competing at a high level and then making the transition into the professional game has helped me develop both on and off the court.”

Adelaide Lightning General Manager Tess Madgen said Brett’s homecoming is an exciting moment for the club.

“We are thrilled to welcome Elissa back home to South Australia and the Adelaide Lightning,” Madgen said.

“South Australian basketball has a long history of producing tough, hardworking players, and Elissa is a perfect example of that.

“Her journey has taken her across Australia and around the world, and we are incredibly excited to see her bring those experiences back home to South Australia.

“Her passion, competitiveness and commitment to excellence will have a significant impact on our program and will help inspire the next generation of South Australian athletes.”

The chance to play for her home state in the WNBL means so much to the young star, whose love for the game began when she joined the Forestville Eagles at just five years old.

“As a kid, I grew up attending Lightning games and idolising the players, so the opportunity to now represent the club myself is a real full-circle moment,” Brett said.

“I also grew up watching my older sisters, mum and aunty play, so being around the game from such a young age shaped my love for it and played a huge part in my journey to becoming a professional player.”

Adelaide Lightning Head Coach Aja Parham-Ammar is excited to add South Australia's Brett to her revamped roster.

“Elissa embodies everything South Australian basketball stands for toughness, work ethic, and an unshakeable competitive spirit," Parham-Ammar said.

"We’re excited for what she brings to our group.

"The chance to play for her home state in the WNBL means so much to the young star, who’s love for the game began when she joined the Forestville Eagles at just five years old.

“As a kid, I grew up attending Lightning games and idolising the players, so the opportunity to now represent the club myself is a real full-circle moment.

"I also grew up watching my older sisters, mum and aunty play, so being around the game from such a young age shaped my love for it and played a huge part in my journey to becoming a professional player.”

Brett, who is currently averaging 14.35 points, 5.53 rebounds, and 3.41 assists for Ballarat in NBL1 South, joins Steph Talbot, Dallas Loughridge, Tayla Brazel, Jessica McDowell-White, Zitina Aokuso, Gemma Potter and Coco Hodges on the Lightning’s roster for WNBL27.