Why Bendigo was the "obvious choice" for Isobel Borlase

At just 21, Isobel Borlase already boasts an Olympic medal and a WNBA draft call to her name. With offers on the table from across the globe, Borlase has turned her sights on the WNBL, signing with Bendigo Spirit for WNBL26.

The South Australian star never planned on leaving home, but after three seasons with Adelaide Lightning, Borlase made the call to take her career in a bold new direction.

“I never really wanted to leave Adelaide, but I felt like change was inevitable,” Borlase said.

“I think that is just the way sport works sometimes… I never thought I’d be moving to Bendigo. Europe’s not really at the forefront of my mind at this stage, I feel like the WNBL is where I’m going to get better at this point in time.”

When Borlase sat down with her manager to map out her goals for WNBL26, one team quickly stood above the rest as “the obvious choice”

“Talking to (Head Coach) Kennedy, he was super impressive. Talking to some of the girls on the team, they were all taken aback by the time and effort he put into showing he genuinely wanted all of us here on his team,” Borlase said.

“The organisation really made me feel like I was wanted. They seemed like the best fit for me at this stage.”

One of the biggest selling points was Bendigo’s track record of developing talent. Last season’s Veronica Burton went from WNBL Champion to WNBA breakout star and was named the WNBA's Most Improved Player award.

“Veronica is obviously a great player, but Kennedy helped facilitate that. You hear things from the other girls about how their skills work and things like that improved under Kennedy.

“The plan is to hopefully head over to the WNBA. I think it’s really cool that the WNBL is able to feed through some girls who are now finding big roles in the WNBA.”

With her goals clearly set and her name down to lead Bendigo’s offence for WNBL26, it’s hard to not form comparisons between Borlase and WNBL25 MVP Sami Whitcomb who is currently starring for the Phoenix Mercury.

Determined to forge her own path, Borlase explained she and Sami play slightly differently but she is excited to take on a larger defensive role with the reigning Champions.

Her first hit-out with the Spirit came in Kalgoorlie, where she got a taste of playing alongside veterans Kelsey Griffin and Mariana Tolo. Between them, Griffin and Tolo own 10 Championship rings, with their experience already rubbing off on Borlase.

“I think Kelsey and Tolo have built a reputation of making players better and setting screens is their forte. They were a big part of Sami’s success last season,” Borlase said.

Borlase added that their teaching moments off the court have been invaluable, giving her new confidence and sharpening her game heading into the season.

Bendigo’s season tips off on October 19 in a Grand Final rematch against the Townsville Fire, where the Championship banner will be raised. Be there for your chance to witness greatness up close.