Fire lock in two Development Players for WNBL27

The Townsville Fire announced on Friday that Catelyn Van Es and Bree Stephens have signed on as Development Players for the WNBL27 Season.

Van Es returns for a second season after an impressive 2025-26 campaign, while Townsville talent Stephens joins the roster, progressing through the club's development pathway.

During her first season with the reigning champions, Van Es was named the Townsville Fire Community Player of the Year after leading the club's Junior Academy program, where her enthusiasm, leadership and genuine connection with young athletes quickly made her a fan favourite among the Fire's youngest supporters.

Van Es said she was excited to return to Townsville for another season.

"I'm thrilled to be returning to Townsville and to have the chance to play in front of such an incredible community," she said.

"This is a great opportunity for me to continue developing under Shannon's leadership and to keep building alongside an amazing team. Fire Up!"

While Stephens joins Shannon Seebohm's team after a standout college career in the US with the University of Central Arkansas, followed by a strong NBL1 North season with the Townsville Flames.

Stephens said earning her first WNBL contract with her hometown club was a dream come true.

"I'm very excited that I've signed with the Fire and I can't wait to get to work with everyone!"

Fire Head Coach Shannon Seebohm said both players had earned their place in the program and embodied what the Fire wanted to build both on and off the court.

"Catelyn already understands our standards and what is required within our environment," Seebohm said.

"She continued to improve throughout last season, and we're excited to see her take another step forward as a player.

"She also made an enormous contribution to our club away from the court.

"The way she embraced our community, led our Junior Academy and became such a positive role model for our young athletes is something we're incredibly proud of."

"Bree has absolutely earned this opportunity.

"We've watched her development over a number of years, and it's been fantastic to see the growth in her game, but even more importantly, the growth in her confidence and professionalism.

"She's someone who turns up every day wanting to improve.

"Her work ethic is outstanding, she's coachable, she's competitive, and she's prepared to do whatever the team needs of her.

"Those are the qualities you look for in young players coming into a professional environment.

"Returning home after her college career, she's continued to develop with the Townsville Flames and has shown just how much her game has matured.

"We believe she's only scratching the surface of what she's capable of.

"Having come through Townsville Junior Basketball and our Fire Academy, she already understands what it means to represent this club and this community.

"It's incredibly rewarding as a coach to see a local player progress all the way through our pathway and earn a place in the WNBL program."

This duo join Courtney Woods, Abbey Ellis, Alicia Froling, Alex Fowler, Miela Sowah, Chloe Forster, Emma Clarke, Lauren Jensen and Marie Gülich on the Fire's squad for this season.