The RedCity Roar have continued to build their women's roster by signing Kim Nasio, Mia Loyd and Laura McKillop for the 2022 Coles Express NBL1 North season.
Nasio, who is coming out of retirement, said she was excited to be joining the Roar this year.
"It’s been quite a few years now since I've played competitive basketball and to be honest, playing again at a representative level at 35 years old, working full time and with four kids and a husband in tow is not something I ever would have expected I'd be doing.
"But when Coach Cassie asked me to come and trial, I felt the itch again.
"A spark was still there, so here I am to give whatever I have left in me.
"I’m excited to do that with Coach Cassie.
"I can feel the good vibes already that she’s creating with the girls and wider community at RedCity and I look forward to being a part of it.
"I've always believed there is more to basketball than the game itself and for me this season it’s giving everything I can to the RedCity family so that my kids and other mums out there can see you can do anything you put your mind to with hard work."
Coach Cassie Dover added: "Kim and I go back a long, long time (we won’t give the number) and I am really excited to be on-court with her again.
"Kim brings us extra size with her 6’3 height but also is an absolute unit inside.
"I am looking forward to her and 'Kass' (Kassandra Donnelly) going at each other at training and Kim giving us more impact inside which was lacking for us last year.
"I know she is coming out of retirement, but she has already dedicated herself to the off-season and I have no doubt by season start she will be ready!"
McKillop comes into 2022 as the women's Most Improved Player.
Not only is she a talented basketballer, but she is also a steeplechase runner.
McKillop is currently training to become the U20 Australian Champion in 3000m steeplechase in April.
If she's successful there, she will qualify for the Australian team competing at the Junior World Track and Field Championships in Columbia in late August.
Speaking about returning to RedCity in 2022, McKillop said: "I grew up playing at Redlands at a club and a representative level and feel privileged to compete against elite athletes in NBL1 while representing my home association.
"I loved being a part of the culture in the women's league at a Preeminent Development League level and I learned so much from Cass and my teammates in just one year and I can't wait to play with everyone again!"
Coach Dover added: "Laura had a great season in 2021 and most deserving of the Most Improved award.
"She continues to grow and develop in all aspects of the game and is the ultimate team player always doing what is needed for her team.
"She brings a positive vibe and is well-liked amongst the group.
"Laura has committed and I know will give as much as she can even while being a dual-sport athlete excelling in the athletic world.
"So whenever we can have her pull on the jersey, we will."
Loyd echoed Nasio and McKillop's excitement in joining the Roar, explaining that she will not only get to play the sport she loves but will also do it alongside a long-time friend.
"I’m definitely excited about this season and being welcomed with open arms to the RedCity Roar," Loyd said.
"I’ve been in close contact with Coach Dover for the past year and I’m excited to finally get the opportunity to play for her.
"I completely respect how she runs her programs and the mindset she has when it comes to team basketball.
"I’m excited to get the chance to play with Ari Moorer as we have a long-standing friendship (14 years) and history so it will be fun competing with her this year as opposed to against her."Dover added: "Mia has played at an international level and her stints in Australia at QBL she has been a standout.
"She is versatile in her game and extremely athletic which suits our style of play.
"We have been talking about teaming up for a while and I am stoked that I will get to work with her this season.
"I'm excited for Mia to bring her experience and some leadership to our young group too.
"Mia will be sure to be a name to watch in the North in 2022."
View the 2022 NBL1 roster tracker here.
Feature image supplied by RedCity Roar
