Madgen Returns

March 20, 2019 | Townsville Fire news

The JCU Townsville Fire have re-signed World Championship silver medallist Tess Madgen for the 2019/20 Chemist Warehouse WNBL season.

During her debut season for the Fire, the Opals playmaker was awarded the Denis Russell Commitment to Excellence and is expected to help fill the leadership void left by retiring captain Suzy Batkovic.

Following the WNBL season, Madgen accepted a short-term deal in Spain and will join a Fire roster containing championship heroes Micaela Cocks, Darcee Garbin and Zitina Aokuso.

“I’m super excited to get back up to Townsville with a core part of the group returning from last season,” Madgen said.

“It will be our main focus to get back to the play-offs and I will be working hard in the off-season and ready to make that happen.

“I loved the Townsville community and I can’t wait to get back up there.”

A veteran of 194 games in the WNBL, Madgen came to the club last season after winning a silver medal at the 2018 World Championships and will be looking to press her selection claims ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. 

She has previously played for the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA.

“I’m excited to have her back, she sets the benchmark with her work ethic on and off the floor and we expect to build on her first season with us,” Fire coach Claudia Brassard said.

“She can contribute at both ends of the floor and her versatility means we can play her at a few positions.

“She’s a natural leader and an extremely smart basketball player.”