WNBL legend Marianna Tolo returns to Bendigo
WNBL legend and Opals hero Marianna Tolo has re-signed with the Bendigo Spirit for the WNBL26 season.
The 6’5” centre was a key piece to Bendigo’s Championship run last season, averaging 14.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.
Her impact was most notable on the defensive end, leading the Spirit to a 18-3 regular season record, averaging 1.2 blocks per game, and finished a finalist for the Defensive Player of the Year award.
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Tolo is one of Australia’s greatest players, representing the Opals in three Olympics (2016, 2022, 2024), winning bronze in Paris, adding two more bronzes in the FIBA World Cups (2014, 2022), as well as a silver in the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup.
In the WNBL, she is now a five-time champion, winning the previous four across a decade with the Canberra Capitals (2009, ‘10, ‘19 and 2019-20). She made the All-Star Five in 2011 and 2017 respectively, and is considered one of the greatest players of our league.
“I’m thrilled to be continuing with the Spirit for another season,” she said.
“Last year’s Championship was so special – from the journey we went on as a team to reaching that ultimate goal of winning the Championship – so I am proud to be part of a group that is building and keen to chase more success this season.”
The 36-year-old will be critical in their title defence and the mentorship of the two new collegiate forward recruits in Kelsey Rees and Olivia Pollerd.
Tolo joins Rees, Pollard, recent Asia Cup gold medallist Isobel Boralse, Kelsey Griffin, Casey Samuels and Abbey Wehrung on the Spirit’s roster for WNBL26.
Stay up-to-date with all the latest signings via the WNBL Roster Tracker here.