Pollerd recommits for two more Spirit seasons

FAST emerging Spirit forward Olivia Pollerd insists she is in for the long haul in Bendigo and is already excited about what lies ahead.

Just a few months after deciding to stay put in Bendigo by signing with the Braves for the 2026 NBL1 South season, the 23-year-old has recommitted to her WNBL club the Spirit for another two seasons.

Fresh from a standout US college career with Santa Clara Broncos, Pollerd joined the Spirit for her debut WNBL season in 2025–26 as one of Australia’s most exciting rising talents, having previously represented the national program at junior level and built a reputation for her versatility, work rate and defensive instincts.

Since arriving in Bendigo, she has flourished in the club’s high–performance environment, becoming a key contributor throughout her rookie WNBL campaign.

The 23–year–old showed significant growth across the season, stepping confidently into rotation minutes and demonstrating her trademark intensity at both ends of the floor. Her ability to impact the game through rebounding, floor spacing and disciplined defensive play has cemented her as an important part of the Spirit’s long–term system.

Pollerd said she was excited to continue building her career in Bendigo.

“I’ve loved my first season with the Spirit – the team, the coaches and the whole Bendigo community have made it feel like home,” Pollerd said.

“I’m really happy to be staying for at least the next two years.

“I want to keep developing my game, keep contributing to the club, and competing alongside this group. I can’t wait for what’s ahead.”

Pollerd averaged 6.86 points, 3.24 rebounds, 1.2 assists and .72 blocks in her first WNBL season, highlighted by a season-high 21 points in a November against Adelaide Lightning.

She averaged 8.5 points per game in the Spirit’s 2-0 semi-final series loss to Perth Lynx.

Further underlining her commitment to Bendigo, Pollerd signed with the Braves, a move that will support her continued development under the same community and performance framework she has embraced throughout her first WNBL season.

A thrilled Spirit general manager Dan Jackson said Pollerd’s re–signing reflected both her potential and the club’s confidence in her future.

“Polly has taken enormous strides this season and has shown exactly why she’s considered one of the best young forwards in the country,” Jackson said.

“Her professionalism, her willingness to learn and the impact she’s already having on our group made this an easy decision.

“We’re thrilled she’s committed to the next chapter with us, and we know she’s only just scratching the surface of what she can become.”

Pollerd joins reigning club MVP, Izzy Borlase, plus Kelsey Rees and Casey Samuels as players contracted to the Spirit ahead of WNBL27.