Former Opal and WNBL Champion commits to Phoenix

The Sunshine Coast Phoenix have announced their second former Australian Opal signing, with Townsville Fire legend Rachael McCully joining the club for the 2021 NBL1 North season.

A WNBL life member, McCully boasts an outstanding list of achievements during a 324-game WNBL career, highlighted by captaining the Townsville Fire to the WNBL Championship in 2015 and back-to-back Robyn Maher WNBL Defensive Player of the Year awards in 2010 and 2011.

McCully’s exploits also extended to the international stage, where she was a regular member of the Australian Opals Women’s National team between 2010-2015 and was also part of the Australian team which took out a Bronze medal at the World University Games in 2005.

In committing to the club, McCully expressed a number of factors that influenced her decision to return to the court.

"The opportunity to play with former Australian teammates and be a mentor to the next generation of Sunshine Coast players were major motivations for me returning to play at this level," she said.

"It’s an exciting time for the game in Queensland and I look forward to being part of the Phoenix program and the new NBL1 North competition in season 2021."

Phoenix Women’s Head Coach Darren Browne expressed his excitement with the addition of McCully to partner with her former Opals teammate this coming season.

"Rachael is a great addition to the Phoenix for 2021," he said.

"She has played at the highest level and has a competitive streak that will have a positive influence on the team.

"Her backcourt pairing with Kathleen (Macleod) will provide the team with tremendous stability and give both Rachael and Kathleen various scoring opportunities based on how our opponents defend us.

"Rachael has a reputation as a quality defender, and we look forward to her leading the way on that side of the ball."

The Phoenix Women’s and Men’s team will play part in the NBL1 North “Rivalry Round” season launch, when they take on the University of Sunshine Coast Rip on Thursday 13 May at USC Stadium.

The Women’s game will tip-off at 6.30pm, with the Men’s action starting at 8.30pm.