The Warwick Senators are having a busy Christmas period, signing 12 players over the break.
Cody Ellis, Stacey Barr, Caleb Davis, Chloe Forster, Corban Wroe, Mackenzie Clinch Hoycard, George Pearl, Natalie Burton, Ash Litterick, Kyle Zunic, Susan Fahnbullen and Nicole Jorre de st Jorre have committed to the team, along with women's coach Jonelle Morley.
Speaking about Ellis' re-signing, new Warwick men's coach Luke Brennan said: "“The Ellis name is synonymous with the Warwick Senators and Cody has been a staple of this team for a number of years.
"He is going to bring with him a great deal of versatility on the court and veteran leadership within the group."
After a stellar year in NBL1 West, Barr said she was looking forward to another year in Warwick colours.
"I am as committed as ever to help this team succeed," Barr said.
"I am excited about working with the younger players coming through, the solid group we had in 2021 and also the players we have joining the squad.
"We will be stepping it up a level in 2022 and I can’t wait to get back on court playing with this group."
Davis also had a stellar year in NBL1 West, with Brennan complimenting his work ethic.
"I remember coaching CD as a junior with state teams, and to see how far he has come since then is a credit to him and his family," Brennan said.
"He is one of the toughest matchups in the NBL1 with his ability to play both inside and on the perimeter."
Speaking about Forster, women's coach Morley said: "Chloe has been known as the 'up and coming' player in the League, but I think we can safely say she has arrived!
"Chloe had a big season in 2021 and we are expecting even bigger things in 2022.
"As a Warwick junior, she is a leader amongst her peers and has proven her ability to step up her game, working hard at Lynx training over the offseason.
"Chloe has put in the work and developed her game both as a defensive stopper and an offensive threat.
"The Warwick community loves seeing local talent succeed, and Chloe is deservedly one of the crowd favourites at Warwick."
Senators men's coach Brennan is looking forward to having an injury-free Wroe in 2022.
"Corban is going to bring us some toughness, both on and off the court," Brennan said.
"He’s a no nonsense guy who will do whatever it takes for the team to be successful.
"His basketball IQ is off the charts and it’s going to be exciting to see how he looks in our system."
Senators fans will be excited to see Clinch Hoycard return in 2022 after a full season under her belt as a Perth Lynx Development Player.
She is equally excited, saying: "Warwick has the passion, experience and playing group to bring home the championship in 2022 and I can’t wait to get on court and do everything I can to help the team bring it home.
"We want to elevate our game another level and bring the spectators games that are not only fun for us to play in, but fun for everyone to watch and support."
Pearl will be a welcome re-signing for the Senators men after showing glimpses of brilliance in 2021.
Coach Brennan said he was excited to see what Pearl could do for Warwick in 2022.
"George is an exciting young player who I feel is only just scratching the surface in his development," Brennan said.
"It’s going to be fun to see how he continues to develop as the season progresses."
Not only will the Senators have a current Perth Lynx player among their ranks but they will also have a Lynx assistant coach, with Nat Burton signing on for 2022.
Coach Morley acknowledged her rich history in the sport.
"I am really excited to have the experience, skills and knowledge of Nat Burton joining the Warwick Senators for 2022," Morley said.
"Nat is an ex-Australian Opal who has played throughout Europe and America, and has also played in the WNBL since 2012.
"Nat is the perfect fit for our team culture and style of play and has already started to impart her wealth of knowledge with our young playing group.
"In 2016 Nat won the Perth Lynx best defensive player, and standing at 194cms, she has the ability to have significant impact on the game at both ends of the court.
"I can't wait to see Nat take the court with the Warwick Senators in 2022."
Like Wroe, Litterick will be hoping for a consistent season in 2022.
Coach Brennan echoed those hopes, saying: "Ash is going to bring some much needed muscle to the paint.
"He has had a couple of disjointed seasons so it’s great to see him back fit and healthy."
Perhaps one of Warwick's biggest men's signings so far is Perth Wildcats Development Player Zunic.
The clever guard comes across from USC Rip City in NBL1 North and will be guided by current Wildcats assistant coach Brennan in NBL1 West next year.
Brennan is looking forward to the prospect.
"Kyle is a fantastic addition to our program," Brennan said.
"Not only is he a great player, but he’s a fantastic human.
"On the court he will bring us tenacious defence and the ability to score in a multitude of ways.
"He has a huge future ahead of him and I’m excited to see what he will bring to this team in 2022."
Morley will enter her second season as Head Coach following a great first season at the helm including making a semi-final appearance.
"In 2021 we wanted to produce a style of game that was ‘fun to watch and fun to play'," she said.
"Athletes are more likely to have success both as individuals and as a team if they are enjoying what they are doing.
"Enjoyment and success look different for everyone, and I pride myself on getting the most out of each player, by understanding what their drive is.
"2021 was a big year, and we fell just short of a Grand Final opportunity.
"We have a committed group of players, and a coaching team who can’t wait to go one better in 2022."
Speaking about Jorre de st Jorre, who notched up her 400th SBL/ NBL1 game earlier this season, coach Morley said: "Experience, passion and the desire to support our juniors in developing their game- all the qualities that make us excited to have Nicole back in 2022.
"Nicole has led the Warwick Senators to many successful seasons over recent years and has the drive to continue to push her teammates into the next season.
"Nicole leads by example, training hard, playing harder and always pulling out the big plays when needed."
Rounding out the 12 days of signings is Susan Fahnbullen.
Fahnbullen is an up-and-coming Warwick junior who coach Morley is excited about.
"Susan has been developing her game over the last few seasons, and at the recent State Titles showed us all that she is ready to take the next step as a rookie with our NBL1 squad in 2022," Morley said.
"Susan is a pocket rocket who brings speed and excitement to the game.
"As a Warwick junior we can’t wait to see Susan stepping up to take the court with many of her idols in the NBL1 West."
