Rees sets eyes on WNBL debut with Spirit
Bendigo Spirit is thrilled to announce the signing of US college basketball star, Kelsey Rees, on a two-year deal.
Australian-born Rees is set to make her return to the basketball court on home soil, choosing to sign with reigning Champions, Bendigo Spirit, as she eyes her own Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) debut.
The 23-year-old represented Australia during her youth career and was a member of the national teams that claimed gold at the 2018 FIBA U16 Asian Championship and 2019 FIBA U17 Women’s Oceania Championship – where she was named in the tournament’s All-Star Five – and silver at the 2021 FIBA U17 World Cup.
In 2020, Rees made the move to the US, where the star forward played with the University of Utah for three seasons helping the program return to the NCAA tournament for the first time in over a decade. Rees then continued to dominate the court with the Oregon State Beavers for seasons 2023-24 and 2024-25, averaging 13.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game in her final college season. Her standout performances earned her All-WCC first team, academic All American and All-WCC tournament team honours while she finished second in the conference in rebounding. Over her five-year college career, Rees made four NCAA tournaments, reaching the sweet sixteen in ‘23 and elite eight in ‘24.
Now returning to Australia, Rees is gearing up for her first WNBL season, preparing to showcase her expert-level defensive skillset and impressive versatility. With the talent to impress on both ends of the court, Rees’ hardwork, commitment and willingness to pursue the ball will be an absolute asset to the Spirit.
Rees said she was excited to join the Spirit upon her return to Australia, especially following their success last season.
“I’m really looking forward to joining the Spirit for the 2025–26 season,” Rees said. “I had an incredible college career in the US and was lucky to learn from some amazing teammates and coaches. Now, I’m really excited to be coming home to Australia to play the game I love.”
“Joining a Championship-winning team with some of the best bigs in the League is an amazing opportunity, and I can’t wait to keep learning, contribute however I can, and connect with the Bendigo fans.”
Spirit General Manager, Dan Jackson, said the club was pleased to have secured Rees’ signature upon her return to Australia.
“Having Kelsey choose Bendigo to start her professional career is a huge win for our club. She had a fantastic senior year at Oregon State, and she will now get the opportunity to train against and learn from some of the best bigs our League has seen in Kelsey Griffin and Marianna Tolo. We expect Kelsey can come in and contribute right away and look forward to helping her along her basketball journey for at least the next two years.”
Rees joins Isobel Borlase, Kelsey Griffin, Olivia Pollerd and Casey Samuels as players announced on the Spirit roster for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
Words by Abby Crozier