US college star signs with Spirit
Bendigo Spirit is thrilled to announce the signing of Australian-born US college standout, Olivia Pollerd, for the upcoming 2025-26 Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) season.
Pollerd returns to home soil after a stellar college career with the Santa Clara Broncos in the NCAA Women’s Division I.
After beginning her college career as a freshman at the University of Washington, Pollerd transferred to Santa Clara. She truly came into her own in her senior year, named in the First Team All-WCC, earning WCC Player of the Week honours twice, and leading her team with an impressive 16 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Her senior-year performance capped off an impressive three-year stint at Santa Clara where she averaged 13.8 points per game, but it was her final season that truly showcased her growth and leadership.
Pollerd finishes her time at Santa Clara ranked in the top 10 all-time for points, blocks, field goals, and three-pointers made, and was honored as the University’s Female Athlete of the Year for 2025.
Internationally, Pollerd has represented Australia with distinction, playing a key role in the 2021 FIBA Under-19 Women’s World Cup, where the team secured a silver medal. She also contributed to Australia’s gold medal win at the 2019 FIBA Under-17 Oceania Championship.
Pollerd previously signed with the now-defunct Deakin Melbourne Boomers as a development player at just 15 years of age, but is now poised to make her official WNBL debut with the reigning champions, Bendigo Spirit.
“I’m really excited to join the Spirit,” Pollerd said. “I really enjoyed my time and the experiences I had in the US, but now I’m excited to return to my home state and apply everything I learnt there on the court in Australia’s top-tier competition. Being the reigning Champs, Bendigo are obviously an amazing team, so I’m excited to hit the ground running and learn as much as I can.”
Spirit General Manager, Dan Jackson, shared his enthusiasm about Pollerd’s signing:
“Our head coach, Kennedy Kereama, has been following Liv’s career closely whilst she’s been at college, so we are absolutely thrilled she has chosen to join the Spirit. Her shooting and versatility will be a huge asset for the club, and she will fit in seamlessly to our group with her work ethic and personality.”
Pollerd joins gun recruit, Isobel Borlase, and 2024-25 Championship team member, Casey Samuels, as players currently announced on the Spirit’s 2025-26 roster.
Words by Abby Crozier