LOCALLY bred guard Laura Taylor says “unfinished business” played a prominent role in wanting to return to Ballarat Miners for another season.<\/p>\n
The 25-year-old made an immediate impact last season in her return to Ballarat following a successful collegiate career at Weber State University.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Despite her best efforts, the Miners did not progress beyond the NBL1 South elimination finals, after being beaten by Melbourne Tigers.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
A fan favourite on and off the court, Taylor is highly regarded for her energy, work ethic and passion for community engagement.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
She is expecting to show the benefits of a WNBL season spent with the defending champion Bendigo Spirit as a training partner.<\/p>\n
Taylor said the opportunity had allowed her to continue developing her game in a high-performance environment.<\/p>\n
“I am so excited and proud to be re-signing with the Miners and coming back to complete some unfinished business,” she said.<\/p>\n
“Ballarat is a place I once dreamed of representing and it means a lot to continue that journey.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
Head coach Brendan Joyce was thrilled to have Taylor back on board for 2026.<\/p>\n
“It’s important we provide opportunities for talent that comes through our juniors,” he said.<\/p>\n
“Laura is extremely hard working and a tremendous athlete that can shoot the three.<\/p>\n
“She has been focusing on improving her game and staying in shape training with the Bendigo Spirit WNBL women’s team.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
Taylor joins fellow guard Elissa Brett as confirmed women’s signings for the Miners for 2026.<\/p>\n
Brett is currently averaging 4.8 points per game, 3.25 rebounds and 1.4 assists for the WNBL’s Geelong venom.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the Miners have vowed continued support for guard Micah Simpson, who will miss the 2026 season, with a serious knee injury.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
She will miss the entire NBL1 South season while undergoing rehabilitation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 […]<\/p>\n