Thank you, Sami Whitcomb
Bendigo Spirit would like to thank Sami Whitcomb for her exceptional service throughout the 2024-25 season, with Whitcomb informing the club she would not be returning for season 2025-26 after receiving an offer to play in Europe.
Whitcomb signed a two-year deal with the Spirit ahead of the 2024-25 season, with a clause to opt out should she receive an offer to play in Europe – an opportunity she did not expect to come to fruition.
However, off the back of one of the most dominant Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) seasons by both a team and an individual – Whitcomb swept both the League and club Most Valuable Player Awards, as well as proving to be a vital cog in the Spirit’s journey to a drought-breaking Championship win – an offer too good to refuse has come Whitcomb’s way.
“It really is bittersweet,” Whitcomb said. “I absolutely loved my time in Bendigo this season, both on and off the court.”
“It was fully my intention to return to the Spirit in season 2025-26, but to get this kind of offer at this stage of my career was something that I just couldn’t pass up. I’m pretty open that my family is my number one priority, and so I’m honoured to be able to take up this opportunity in Europe to support them the best I can.
“I’ll still be cheering on the girls in Bendigo from afar though – I truly believe they have the skill, talent and mindset to go back-to-back next season.
“This group was so special and I was so lucky to be a part of it – I’d count myself incredibly fortunate if the opportunity to return presented itself in the future!”
Spirit General Manager, Dan Jackson, said the club was incredibly proud of Whitcomb.
“Firstly, we are extremely thankful that Sami chose to come to Bendigo and play for the Spirit. We already knew of her outstanding talent on court but the way she really committed herself to the Bendigo community was exceptional.
“As a national league club, from an on-court perspective we see our role as two-fold – to win Championships, and to help develop players to play at the highest international level.
“Based on these criteria, the 2024-25 season was pretty successful for us – we got the Championship, and Sami has now got even further recognition of what a superstar she is with this opportunity to play in Europe.
“Sami was obviously a world-class player when she came to us, but we believe – and would hope that she would think the same – that our environment enabled her to put out those performances on court week after week, which ultimately led to this new opportunity for her.
“It will be impossible to replace Sami and we will miss her around the club and the wider Bendigo community, but we’re really proud of her, and wish her and the family all the best for this next chapter. And we’re also hoping this isn’t the last we see of her in a Spirit jersey!”
The WNBL’s free agency period begins on May 29.