Flames welcome home NSW junior McSpadden
The Sydney Flames are excited to welcome back NSW junior Lara McSpadden to the club for the fast-approaching WNBL26 season.
The Newcastle product, who has had two previous stints in Sydney, joins the Hoops Capital club on a two-year deal – with the second being a mutual option.
McSpadden bolsters the Flames’ frontline and is the ninth player signed to Guy Molloy’s squad for WNBL26, joining Lauren Nicholson, Shaneice Swain, Grace Berger, Emma Clarke, Keely Froling, Agnes Emma-Nnopu, Carla Pitman and the newly signed Mikhaela Cann.
“After last season abroad, I had a look within myself and wanted to chase my goal of being a dominant five in the WNBL, which I know I can achieve under Guy within the Flames program,” said Flame #172 McSpadden, who will enter her sixth season with the Flames in WNBL26.
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“My goal this season is to provide a greater impact on the court and to further assert myself as a dominant big in the WNBL.
“[Further to that] I always wanted to keep the opportunity open to play for the Flames again, where my pro career started, especially with the NSW flavour the club is going for now, which is really lovely to see.
“Not to mention getting the chance to play in front of my family and friends each week, so it’s really special to be back with the Flames.”
After leaving the harbour city-based team at the end of the WNBL24 season, McSpadden spent time with the Tauranga Whai, helping them win the 2024 Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa championship, and Trutnov in the Czech Republic – as well as the Australian Gangurrus (women’s 3×3 team) at numerous international tournaments.
McSpadden, 26, believes these experiences have helped her grow as a player, which she knows can help the Flames in their chase of a fifth championship.
“Since my last time in Sydney, my approach to life and basketball has changed, with me focusing on improving my balance across training, recovery and preparation,” said McSpadden, who is currently playing NBL1 South for Diamond Valley.
“I implemented this approach in both New Zealand and the Czech Republic, and I saw positive results by putting myself first and looking after my mind and body the best I can.
“That different mindset, as well as my improved play, will complement our impressive roster, which is going to get up and down the court a lot this season.
“We have plenty of perimeter threats on our roster and I will do everything to help make their jobs easier, from setting solid screens, rebounding, running hard, providing an inside target and defending the paint.
“It’s going to be an exciting season and I can’t wait to get back to Sydney.”
Coach Molloy is excited for a reunion with McSpadden, after spending time with her during the WNBL24 season at Hoops Capital.
“I never wanted to lose Lara from our roster [at the end of WNBL24], so I’m really excited to have her back in Sydney,” said Molloy, who loves Lara’s ability to impact the game without the ball.
“Her time abroad, in both New Zealand and the Czech Republic, has been good for her self-awareness while also growing into her game and adding more strings to her bow.
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“Lara knows how we like to approach our play in Sydney, and I know she will provide a big impact for us this season – it honestly feels like she’s about to full breakout as a player, and I can’t wait to see what that looks like.
“She brings so many positive attributes to the court, from a high work rate, to her ability to get up and down the court, the way she puts pressure on the paint with her diving ability and how she can move her feet defensively on the perimeter gives me confidence we’re going to see the best version of Lara to date.
“She’s going to have a big opportunity for us this season, and I’m confident she’s going to make the most of it.”
Stay up to date with all the Hoops Capital club’s off-season news here.