There’s not much Tess Madgen hasn’t done on the basketball court.
An Opal and Olympian, a stint in the WNBA, and a storied WNBL career has seen her cement herself as one of Australia’s most skilled basketballers.
The 32-year old is returning to Bendigo for another Coles Express NBL1 South season with the Bendigo Braves Women.
Coach Mark Alabakov couldn’t be happier.
"If a scientist mixed the DNA of a world-class basketballer and a lion, the end result would be Tess Madgen," he said.
"She is brave, bold, and leads by example with an indomitable will.
"I’m a big fan of what she brings to the table on and off the court and I’m stoked to have such a natural leader of our pack back for season 2022."
Alabakov said the tall guard can do it all.
"She can post up, play face up to the basket in on-balls and isolations, is a great cutter, and is a talented scorer and facilitator who you can rely on to make the right team play over and over, especially when it counts," he said.
"When building a culture of winning, relentless persistence and playing the game the right way, Tess is on another level.
"Alongside Kelly Wilson, Tess is almost without peer when it comes to longevity at the absolute peak of Australian basketball.
"We’re really proud of the courage and tenacity she displayed in her performances for the Opals at the Olympics and the validation it brings her after years of working at her craft and evolving her game to be recognised in that way."
The Braves’ 2022 season tips off against league newcomers Keilor Thunder at Keilor on April 23.
Bendigo’s first home game is Sunday, May 1.
