Adelaide sign playmaking savant for WNBL26

Adelaide Lightning have added another key name to their roster with American Serena Sundell signing a one-year deal with the club. 

The 6’1” guard joins the Lightning as their second import player, joining LA Sparks forward Sania Feagin for the WNBL26 season. 

Upon signing, Sundell said she cannot wait to play in one of the best leagues in the world. 

“I’m so excited to come to Australia and contribute to the excitement and energy of the WNBL. I’ve got no doubt that under the guidance of Head Coach Kerryn Mitchell, I’ll learn a lot and become a stronger guard,” she said. 

“The Adelaide Lightning has such a strong legacy and Championship-winning identity that I’m excited to learn from and contribute to.”

Sundell made a name for herself in college with the Kansas State Wildcats, being named to back-to-back Big 12 Conference First Teams in 2023/24 and 2024/25. In her final season of college, she averaged 14.1 points, 7.3 assists and 4.4 rebounds – leading the entire nation in assists per game. 

As the point guard of the best offensive team in the conference, Sundell led the Wildcats to the Sweet 16 – where they fell short by six points to Southern California. She scored a game-high 22 points with six assists and rebounds to finish her stellar collegiate career.  

Her success led to the WNBA, where she was drafted 26th overall by the Seattle Storm, joining Australian superstar Ezi Magbegor. She made her debut in pre-season against the Connecticut Suns, playing 19:36 minutes back in early May. 

Learning from the best players in the world, Sundell will come into WNBL26 as one of the league’s best playmakers to kickstart a new era for the Adelaide Lightning. 

Newly appointed Head Coach Mitchell explained what Sundell will bring to Adelaide this season. 

“Serena’s game is not dissimilar to Kristy Wallace, she is strong, aggressive and has a nice midrange game. I think she’ll be a great backcourt partner for Dallas (Loughridge), and I’m looking forward to watching them create havoc for opposition teams,” she said. 

“She’s coming off an excellent college career and is looking to come down to Australia to really lock-in, hone her skills and continue to grow and develop her game. We’re thrilled that we get to play a big part in that.”

Sundell joins Steph Talbot, Feagin, Dallas Loughridge, Tayla Brazel, Sharne Robati, Ella Tofaeono, Jasmin Fejo and Ashlee Strawbridge for the WNBL26 roster. 

Follow all the latest WNBL moves via the Roster Tracker here.