New mum Nicholson pens two-year deal with Flames
The Sydney Flames are thrilled to unveil that Lauren Nicholson will return to the club for the WNBL26 season on a two-year deal.
Sutherland junior Nicholson, who missed the WNBL25 season with the birth of her son Ari, has agreed to a two-year deal with the Hoops Capital side.
The Australian representative is the third signing for Guy Molloy’s 2025-26 squad, alongside Shaneice Swain and Emma Clarke.
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“I’m really excited to be back in Flames colours, after a season on the sidelines,” said Flame #133 Nicholson.
“I’m ready for the challenge in front of me and am keen to help the Flames in any way I can.
“The Flames have always had a place in my heart, as Sydney is my home, so it’ll be even more special playing for the team next year with my new number one supporter Ari, in the stands.”
When she returns to the hardwood, Saint Mary’s Gaels alum Nicholson is keen to build on the success the Hoops Capital side has had over the past two seasons.
“During my first season back with the Flames, we showed great growth as a squad and that went to another level last season when the group made the semi-finals,” said Nicholson, who admits she felt good throughout her whole pregnancy and always harboured ambitions to return to the harbour city-based side.
“I’m keen to help build on that and reach even greater heights over the next few years, which I know we’ll be more than capable of under the phenomenal coach that Guy [Molloy] is.
“[Further to that] I’m keen to play alongside both Emma and Shaneice – who had a huge breakout season in WNBL25 – once again, as I feel we can all complement one another on the court.”
Coach Molloy is overjoyed to have Nicholson back in Flames colours next season.
“Lauren is an immense signing for us on a few fronts,” he said.
“During her last season in the league, she was our best player, was named the competition’s Defensive Player of the Year and was named to the All-WNBL First Team – highlighting the way she can impact the game on both ends of the court.
“Then her leadership will be hugely impactful on our team, through her positivity and experiences throughout her career.
“Finally, she’s an inspiration for not just Flames fans but all young female athletes by the way she’s aiming to come straight back into professional sport right after welcoming her son Ari into the world.”
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With three key pieces locked in, Molloy believes his harbour city-based side is ready to build on last year’s successful season.
“Lauren, Shaneice and Emma all complement one another on the court and have the ability to impact the game both offensively and defensively, which is key in today’s game,” said Molloy, who is heading into year three with the Flames.
“We’ve got a defined style that we’d like to play, which we established in year one and built on year two, despite all the adversity we faced, and all three of them are big pieces in that.
“I’m excited to see us continue that upwards trajectory next season.”
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