The Cockburn Cougars have signed Kirsty Whitfield, Harriet Ford and Alina Hartmann for the 2022 Coles Express NBL1 West season.
Hartmann’s previous stint at Cockburn was back in the 2019 SBL season where she had a stunning impact upon her arrival mid-season.
She finished up averaging 17.4 points and 10.2 rebounds a game.
Her last appearance saw her put up 29 points, 12 boards and three assists in the last game of that season against the East Perth Eagles highlighting just what she’s capable of.
Hartmann was committed to return to the Cougars for the 2020 season as well but the COVID-19 pandemic then struck meaning she was unable to get back to Australia.
However, what the German power forward has been doing in Spain the past two seasons is mighty impressive so she will return to the Cougars for this upcoming season ready for a significant impact, especially alongside Jessie Edwards in the front court.
The 26-year-old is excited to be preparing to return to the Cougars.
"In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I had resigned to return to play for Cockburn in 2020 but then the pandemic happened and didn’t allow for it to happen," Hartmann said.
"I truly enjoyed living in Perth, the club, my teammates…I didn’t really expect this would be possible again any time soon.
"Even happier I am now that it is actually working out and that Tyrone still trusts me/wants me back on the team."
Whitfield is a former Cougar captain returning to build on her 172-game career.
She is a smart, considered leader who will be an important part of the young Cougars line-up this season.
Speaking of young Cougars, 16-year-old Ford received her first NBL1 contract from Cockburn Life Member Vanessa Cahill.
She joins Lily Gammidge and Kinley Paterson as the third Cougar junior to make the jump to pro-level in 2022.
View the 2022 NBL1 roster tracker here.
