Key Storm imports re-sign for 2025

BELLARINE Storm has locked in two big names for the 2025 Big V Championship season, following successful first-year campaigns on the Peninsula.

The Storm have re-signed both imports Bridgette Rettstatt and Courtney Strait into next season, after both received All Star Five nominations for 2024 for playing crucial roles in Bellarine’s first season at the Championship level.

Rettstatt averaged a team-high 17.3 points, 13 rebounds per game and 2.5 steals per game this year, providing a powerful frontcourt force for Coach of the Year Tim Sanderson.

The Ohio-born product arrived to the club in February following two seasons at PAOK in Thessaloniki, Greece after Liberty College in Lynchburg, Virginia.

She was named the 2024 Defensive player of the Year.

“Bridgette has had an outstanding debut season in Big V Basketball in 2024 and is an important re-signing for our 2025 campaign,” the Storm said in a statement.

“Great news Bridgette, it’ll be great to see you back in Storm colours again next season!”

Strait turned heads in her first season with the Storm, quickly becoming the side’s go-to backcourt option through her lethal ability to score at will.

Strait also put up eye-catching numbers in 2024, averaging 16.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.0 steals.

“Hot on the heels of Bridgette re-signing for the 2025 season, we’re delighted to announce that Courtney Strait has committed also, to our 2025 State Championship Women’s Big V Basketball side,” the Storm said in its second announcement.

“Two important puzzle pieces in place already, for our 2025 campaign. Welcome back Courtney!”

Originally from Iowa and standing at 180cm, Straight arrived to the Storm in late-2023 after an impressive season with Craigieburn that year, where she ended up third overall for the season in scoring league-wide.

Bellarine will be eyeing up a return to the Big V Finals Series in 2025 after making it to the Preliminary Final in late-August.