Taylor pumped to re-sign with Miners

LOCALLY bred guard Laura Taylor says “unfinished business” played a prominent role in wanting to return to Ballarat Miners for another season.

The 25-year-old made an immediate impact last season in her return to Ballarat following a successful collegiate career at Weber State University.

In her first year back in Miners colours, Taylor averaged 9.8 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game, providing a strong presence at both ends of the floor.

Despite her best efforts, the Miners did not progress beyond the NBL1 South elimination finals, after being beaten by Melbourne Tigers.

That early finals exit will serve as motivation for Taylor and her teammates when the Miners’ 2026 season tips-off against Bendigo Braves on 28 March at Selkirk Stadium.

A fan favourite on and off the court, Taylor is highly regarded for her energy, work ethic and passion for community engagement.

Her involvement across the club’s community programs, combined with her experience and passion, makes her return an exciting one for the entire Miners family.

She is expecting to show the benefits of a WNBL season spent with the defending champion Bendigo Spirit as a training partner.

Taylor said the opportunity had allowed her to continue developing her game in a high-performance environment.

“I am so excited and proud to be re-signing with the Miners and coming back to complete some unfinished business,” she said.

“Ballarat is a place I once dreamed of representing and it means a lot to continue that journey.

“I’m honoured to be coached by Brendan Joyce, a former Opals and Miners coach with a wealth of experience, who genuinely cares about developing and broadening his athletes skillsets to prepare them for the next level.

“I’m passionate about showcasing possible pathways for young athletes, especially females, and can’t wait to be back with the Miner crew for 2026.”

Head coach Brendan Joyce was thrilled to have Taylor back on board for 2026.

“It’s important we provide opportunities for talent that comes through our juniors,” he said.

“Laura is extremely hard working and a tremendous athlete that can shoot the three.

“She has been focusing on improving her game and staying in shape training with the Bendigo Spirit WNBL women’s team.

“I am really excited about assisting her to continue to improve her game in all areas offensively and defensively to help her make the WNBL roster for 2026.”

Taylor joins fellow guard Elissa Brett as confirmed women’s signings for the Miners for 2026.

Brett is currently averaging 4.8 points per game, 3.25 rebounds and 1.4 assists for the WNBL’s Geelong venom.

Meanwhile, the Miners have vowed continued support for guard Micah Simpson, who will miss the 2026 season, with a serious knee injury.

Simpson, who plays for WNBL club Bendigo Spirit, succumbed to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in the defending champion’s clash against Canberra Capitals on 23 January.

She will miss the entire NBL1 South season while undergoing rehabilitation.