WNBA talent joins Lightning

The Adelaide Lightning announced on Wednesday the signing of forward Maddy Westbeld for the WNBL27 Season, pending League approval.

The 24-year-old joins the Lightning after an exciting first season in the WNBA with the Chicago Sky.

Adelaide Lightning General Manager Tess Madgen says the team is thrilled to welcome Westbeld to South Australia.

“Maddy is a long, versatile post player who can stretch the floor with her shooting ability and impact the game in a variety of ways,” Madgen said.

“She also brings invaluable experience from two of the world's premier basketball environments, having developed at the University of Notre Dame, before earning an opportunity in the WNBA.

“Those experiences will add tremendous value to our group both on and off the court.”

The Lightning holds a special place in Westbeld’s heart, with older sister Kathryn having played for the franchise during the 2019-20 season, after also playing for Notre Dame.

They hold the title of the only pair of sisters in program history to have both reached 1,000 career points.

“I’m so grateful to become part of the Adelaide Lightning family; I’ll give my all for this organisation and fully embrace this experience,” Westbeld said.

“My sister, Kathryn Westbeld, played for the Lightning in the past so it will be an honour to be able to, once again, share pride for the same organisation.

“I can’t wait to make this community and fan base proud.

“I’m really looking forward to making everyone around me better and competing to bring home a championship for our city.

“Our fans can expect me to come in exuding positivity and an unwavering determination to win every single day.

“I’m really just excited to engulf myself in the community and meet our amazing fans.”

The forward’s performance in the recruitment process played a big part in signing, according to coach Aja Parham-Ammar.

“We were incredibly impressed by her selflessness, team-first mindset and genuine desire to continue improving her game," Parham-Ammar said.

“We can't wait to welcome Maddy to Adelaide and support her in achieving her personal goals, while knowing she will make an enormous contribution to helping our team achieve Ours."

Westbeld joins a roster that also features Zitina Aokuso, Steph Talbot, Tayla Brazel, Jess McDowell-White, Gemma Potter, Coco Hodges, Elissa Brett, Kiara Waite and Shay Ciezki.