Bendigo Spirit Announce Young Opal’s Return to Bendigo

4 April 2019 | Bendigo Spirit news

Having played two seasons with the Bendigo Spirit in 2013-2015, Tracy York is pleased to have Australian Opal, Tessa Lavey locked in for the 2019-2020 WNBL season.

Before returning to the Bendigo Spirit, Tessa has been busy on the national and international floor. Representing Australia and medalling in the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Turkey, 2017 FIBA Asia Cup, 2018 World Cup in Spain and a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth games. Also playing for the Perth Lynx (2015-2017) and a single season at Dandenong (2017-2018), averaging 6.7 points, 2.4 rebounds and 3 assists for the 2018-2019.

Lavey leads by the highest example on and off the court, something that was noticed quickly by Coach York when recruiting the floor general. Saying “Tessa is the type of person you want to be a part of any organisation you’re affiliated with. She is a role model for our youth, an extension of the coach on the floor, as well as the first player to be picking her teammates up. Lavey is an incredible recruitment for the Bendigo Spirit”

Currently representing Bendigo in the new NBL1 league, Lavey has already made an impact on court. Top scoring for the Champions IGA Braves Women in the opening round against Melbourne Tigers with 21 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal.

When asked about signing with Bendigo Spirit a second time, Lavey spoke with nothing but excitement, saying “to sign with the Bendigo Spirit is a huge honour, it has a rich history filled with success and so much talent through the program, I’m happy to be back. For me it’s about getting back to where I feel confident that I’ll be able to grow as a player and a person. I’m looking forward to working with Tracy York and the talent we already have signed here in Becca Tobin and Abbey Wehrung.”

Bendigo Spirit will be holding open tryouts Saturday April 6th 2019 at Bendigo Stadium from 9:30am – 11:30am. To register please email Elite Teams Co-ordinator Charlton Hindle on Charlton.hindle@bendigostadium.com.au by COB Friday April 5th 2019.