Spirit secures sought-after free agent, Borlase
Bendigo Spirit is thrilled to announce their first new player signing ahead of the 2025-25 Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) season, with arguably the hottest prospect on the free agency list this season – Isobel Borlase – committing to the club.
The 20-year-old comes to the Spirit from the Adelaide Lightning, and despite her tender age, brings a wealth of on-court experience to the club. The 180cm guard was a part of Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence program from 2021-2022, before joining the WNBL in 2022, aged just 18. In her first year playing at the top level in Australia, she was named as the WNBL’s Breakout Player of the Year, as well as the WNBL’s Sixth Woman of the Year for the 2022-23 season.
In 2024, Borlase was selected by Atlanta Dream with the 20th overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, cementing her status as an international star on the rise.
Borlase has also represented Australia both at under-age and senior level, with her most notable appearance being as a member of the Australian Opals team who took out the bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Borlase said she was excited to start a new chapter of her basketball career in Bendigo.
“I’m excited to be signing with Bendigo for this upcoming season. I went through the process of free agency and Bendigo felt like the best fit, so I am looking forward to moving there and getting to work. I am hoping to develop my game under Kennedy [Kereama, Spirit head coach] as well as learn from the more experienced players, helping contribute to the team’s continued success.”
Spirit General Manager, Dan Jackson, shared his enthusiasm on Borlase’s signing.
“It’s a real coup for us to sign Izzy and have her join us in Bendigo,” Jackson said. “Izzy is undoubtedly the most sought-after free agent this off-season, so for her to choose the Spirit is a real credit to our program.
“Despite being young, Izzy already has a wealth of experience playing in different teams and tournaments around the world, so we’re looking forward to seeing what she can bring to our program as we embark on our title defence.”
More Bendigo Spirit player signings for the upcoming 2025-26 WNBL season will be announced shortly.
Words by Abby Crozier