The Willetton Tigers NBL1 Women’s program aims to back their winning formula for the long term with the re-signing of junior rookies Grace Foster and Caitlin Lord, and the addition of several current Junior program players to multi-year contracts.
Grace Foster has re-signed on the back of a hugely successful 12 months, representing WA Metro at this year’s U18 National Championships, winning the U18 WABL Championship, claiming Grand Final MVP, while also being named the WABL Female Player of the Year for 2021.
Her debut season was highlighted with the Tigers’ Championship in the inaugural NBL1 West, while a career night at home against the South West Slammers saw her achieve a 25 point, nine-rebound and four-assist effort.
According to Willetton’s Talent Manager Luke Sunderland, “Grace is the type of player that you want to coach, and the type of player you refer to any other player with high goals and ambitions.
“Her work ethic and commitment to improving and performing at the top of her game are truly elite.
“The saying of ‘first to arrive, last to leave’ couldn’t be more on point when it comes to Grace, most mornings she is on the court before school and often the last one behind after training, getting more reps up.
“The results on the court for her this year are a testament to her work ethic and we are all excited to see her take the next step next season.”
Joining Foster in her second year for 2022 is the up-and-coming Caitlin Lord.
After moving to Willetton from Margaret River, the 6’2 forward joined the club where her father had his own outstanding junior career.
“Caitlin’s trajectory since arriving at the club 18 months ago has been a pleasure to watch,” Sunderland said.
“Like Grace, her work ethic and commitment driving factors.
“Coming into the program as a raw talent to making the U18 WA Metro side this season, then into a debut NBL1 season, being a part of the championship-winning side as well as taking out the U18 WABL title, has been a whirlwind and lays the groundwork for a really exciting future for Caitlin.
“Willetton Basketball has spent the past six years focusing on the growth of our female domestic basketball competition and is fully committed to developing from within.
“We are demonstrating this to our athletes by establishing a true pathway from WABL to NBL1 by signing promising juniors.
“This year’s Championship side was made up of all but two Willetton junior program graduates.
“The proof is in the results that if you develop from the ground up and put the work in, you can have true success with homegrown talent.
“The added benefit is the excellent culture in our women’s program.
“Our current senior players are great role models for all of our junior players, and it makes the transition from juniors to seniors a positive and welcoming experience.”
As well as this past season’s rookies, Willetton has added talented juniors Katie Duncan from the U18 Championship winning team, while Kiara Waite, Monique Williams and Eva Cooke join the program from the U16 Championship side.
Katie Duncan was also a member of this year’s U18 championship-winning side, while representing WA Country at the national championships also.
Versatile forward Williams is the daughter of Sue (WBA Player Life Member) and Roosevelt Williams Snr, with Sue holding the games record for the SBL until 2021, and being the winner of multiple championships.
Dad Roosevelt was a former player for the Tigers and is a well-known coach in WA.
Williams’ older brother Roosevelt Jnr just completed his maiden NBL1 season as a key contributor as the starting PG for the men’s side before heading to college in America.
Point guard Eva Cooke, this year’s U16 Metro co-captain, is also a second-generation player, with her father Brad a former SBL player and standout Willetton Junior.
Rounding out the signings is 6’3 Kiara Waite.
Also representing WA Metro at the most recent National Championship, Waite has been on the rise rapidly over the past 18 months, progressing through the Willetton junior program to the SPP programs and state teams.
Her future is extremely bright.
Head Coach Simon Parker said: “I’m very excited to have these great junior players join the main squad for NBL1 West in season 2022.
“All of the girls are certainly talented, and the coaches are really looking forward to working on their development to play at the next level for the Tigers in the near future.”