Five-time Champion returns to Bendigo

Kelsey Griffin, one of the league most decorated players, will remain at the Bendigo Spirit after re-signing with the club.

A five-time WNBL Champion and one of the most respected figures in the game, Griffin as committed to a one-year deal and is committed to building on the Spirits Championship momentum.

In 2010, Griffin was drafted third overall in the WNBA Draft by the Minnesota Lynx before moving to the Connecticut Suns where she spent five seasons. In 2015, she made the move to Australia where she became a citizen and went on to represent the Australian Opals.

With an outstanding international playing career, her highlights include an MVP performance in the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup and a gold medal at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

As a key player for both the Bendigo Spirit and Canberra Capitals, Griffin has been named captain for 10 of her 13 seasons in the league and earned numerous accolades including, five Championships (three with the Spirit and two with the Capitals), the 2019 Suzy Batkovic Medal for League MVP, three Grand Final MVP awards, and five all-WNBL Team selections.

Going into her 10th season with Bendigo and 14th overall in the WNBL, the 37-year-old remains committed to the Spirit’s success and the wider basketball community.

“The decision to re-sign wasn’t about whether or not I’d play in Bendigo; that part was easy. This community has given me and Erin so much, and we feel deeply connected here. What I really had to consider was whether it was time to retire or go around one more time.

“In the end, I felt like there was still more to do. With the new ownership of the League and SEN’s continued commitment to Bendigo, I saw an opportunity to be part of shaping what comes next, not just for the Spirit but for the future of women’s basketball in regional communities. I want to help build a sustainable club that keeps giving back to Bendigo long after I’ve finished playing. That is what this next chapter is about – creating a legacy and making sure I leave things better for the next generation.”

Spirit General Manager Dan Jackson welcomed Griffin’s return, acknowledging the invaluable role she plays within the organisation and the broader Bendigo community.

“Having Kelsey on board for next season is amazing for the club,” he commented. “We all know what a star she is on the court, but her leadership – both on and off the court – and how she immerses herself in the local community is what makes her a truly special individual.

As a club, we are nothing without our community, and Kelsey does a great job at blending the on and off-court seamlessly.”

Griffin joins Isobel Borlase, Olivia Pollerd and Casey Samuels as part of Bendigo’s WNBL26 roster.