Pioneers add WNBL talent to women’s pathway

The Pioneers Basketball Club have announced the signing of WNBL talent Shakera Rielly and Sherrie Calleia to the Pioneers programme ahead of the 2021 season.

Rielly made her WNBL debut with the University of Canberra Capitals in the WNBL in 2019 and went on to win the WNBL title that season.

Calleia also joins the club with WNBL experience playing with the Sydney Uni Flames in 2020. Both players have also been key contributors for their various Waratah League clubs.

The return of basketball to the Ice House is highly anticipated for the Pioneers Basketball Club and the wider Mount Gambier community.

The Pioneers Basketball Club expanded its program to include a women’s team in 2019 competing in the then Adelaide Premier League.

After earning the right to enter NBL1 South in late 2019 the NBL1 South was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID in March 2020. Head Coach Matt Sutton has been working hard to add the pieces to the programme that the club will require to competitive at NBL1 level.

"We are really excited to have two players with not only WNBL experience but have also been members of WNBL championship teams," Sutton said.

"Both players will bring versatility at both ends of the floor and will play big roles for us, we are looking forward to welcoming them to the Mount Gambier community and getting to work with them on court."

Both players have arrived in Mount Gambier and have been active in the clubs start to pre-season with the NBL1 season scheduled to start April 17th against the Bendigo Braves.