Flames re-sign Sydney product Pitman
The Flames are excited to add another Sydney product to their squad for the WNBL26 season, after announcing the re-signing of Carla Pitman.
Pitman, who was a Flames development player in WNBL24 before becoming a fully contracted player last season, returns to the Hoops Capital club on a two-year deal – with the second being a team option.
The 21-year-old becomes the fourth player signed for Guy Molloy’s squad in WNBL26, joining Lauren Nicholson, Shaneice Swain and Emma Clarke.
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“Growing up in Sydney and watching the Flames as a kid, made it a real dream of mine to play for them one day and last year that came true,” Pitman said.
“I had such an amazing time last season that when the opportunity came to re-sign, it was a no-brainer.”
During the WNBL25 season, Flame #223 Pitman proved to not only herself but everyone else that she can play at this level.
“It’s always been a goal to play in the WNBL, and after my first season, having the opportunity to play meaningful minutes, I feel I’ve proved that I can compete and contribute at this level,” said the Norths Bears NBL1 player, who won Co-Defensive Player of the Year sponsored by AAMI, Coaches Award and Hardest Working Player Award at the 2024-24 Hoops Capital presentation night.
“I know I belong here now, and a lot of that can be credited to the belief that Guy and Renae [Garlepp] had in me.”
Looking ahead, Pitman knows she can take her game to even greater heights.
“To reach the next level, I am concentrating on becoming an elite three-point shooter,” said the inaugural Harvey Norman Future Flame.
“A key goal of mine is to achieve a 40 per cent three-point percentage to elevate my game.
“As well as that, I want to continue to bring my intensity on both ends of the court, to ensure I can impact winning as much as I can for the Flames.”
Coach Guy Molloy is thrilled to have Pitman re-sign with the harbour city-based club, after such an amazing WNBL25 campaign.
“I’m really pleased to be able to bring Carla back, as she optimises what we’re trying to build here at the Flames,” coach Molloy said.
“She’s a hard-working NSW junior who has shown tremendous growth over the two seasons we’ve had her in our system, which is a credit to her and all our staff.
“The way she’s grabbed every opportunity that’s come her way has been very impressive, and the fact our pathways, through the Future Flames and development system, can produce a player like Carla is amazing and proves we’re headed in the right direction.”
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Molloy went on to say that he’s excited to watch Pitman’s continued growth and how well she complements the other players on the squad.
“I can still remember the first session I saw Carla and I was automatically impressed by her intensity, physicality and ability to compete on every play, which some young players can find hard at first,” said Molloy, who is heading into year three with the Flames.
“Not to mention being a guard-sized player who had the capability to guard one through four, which she more than proved on countless occasions last season.
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“You can see with all the players we have on our roster so far, we’re building around people who are willing to play at both ends and are versatile across a number of positions, and Carla fits that mould perfectly.
“She’s got all the tools to be successful in this league, and I’m excited to see what she can do in a Flames jersey next season.”
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