Spirit complete roster with return of five-time WNBL champion

The Bendigo Spirit announced on Friday that five-time WNBL champion and WNBL Life Member Marianna Tolo has recommitted to the club for the WNBL27 season, pending League approval.
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A fan-favourite with one of the most accomplished careers in Australian basketball, Tolo’s return completes Bendigo’s roster for the upcoming campaign as she embarks on her 13th season in the competition.

Welcoming her daughter, Mya, back in May, Tolo will return off the back of an amazing year in basketball and in her life away from it, and she is now eager to get back to work with the Spirit.

“The past year has been incredibly special for me, both professionally and personally," Tolo said. 

"Suiting up again for another WNBL season, reaching the 250-game milestone alongside KG, and then becoming a mum for the first time - it's a 12 months that will be hard to top.

"I love what we're continuing to build in Bendigo, and I'm excited to get back with the group and contribute where I can for another season.”

Tolo also gave credit to teammate Kelly Wilson for inspiring her throughout her journey, and said she was a big reason for her return to the club.

"Kelly Wilson has been inspirational playing as a mother throughout her career, and her help and guidance throughout this process has been invaluable. I'm so excited that she's decided to play once again and it made my decision even easier,” Tolo said. 

Spirit General Manager, Dan Jackson, delivered high praise to Tolo and said that her commitment was another strong result for the club heading into the season.

"Marianna had an enormous impact on the club last season, even though she was only on court for the first six rounds, so we're thrilled she's committed to returning for WNBL27," Jackson said.

"Her achievements last year spoke for themselves - reaching 250 WNBL games and earning Life Membership of the League was a fitting recognition of exactly why she's so highly regarded across Australian basketball, and to do this while pregnant made the achievement even more extraordinary.

“We're excited to continue supporting Marianna as she balances motherhood and professional basketball.

"Her experience, leadership and presence around the group are invaluable, and we're looking forward to welcoming her back in an on-court role this season."

Tolo joins Georgia Booth, Izzy Borlase, Kelsey Griffin, Jade Melbourne, Olivia Pollerd, Kelsey Rees, Casey Samuels, Abbey Wehrung and Kelly Wilson as players contracted to the Spirit for the WNBL27 season.