Development pair eager to make mark with reigning WNBL champs

BENDIGO Spirit has added two exciting young talents to the club’s roster ahead of the upcoming Women’s National Basketball League season.

Queensland-born Catherine MacGregor and Hayley McDowell-White have joined the reigning WNBL champions as development players.

The pair earned their development player contracts through the club’s recently held open trials, showcasing their skill, drive and commitment to joining what is fast becoming one of the WNBL’s most respected programs.

Their selection reflects the growing interest in the Spirit following the club’s incredibly successful 2024-25 season and the team’s continued investment in emerging talent.

MacGregor, 23, is a six-foot forward originally from Ipswich in Queensland, who most recently played for Mount Gambier Pioneers in the NBL1 South.

She also previously played for the Darwin Salties in the NBL1 North.

Known for her versatility and work ethic, MacGregor made an immediate impression at trials and wasted no time committing to the opportunity.

Upon receiving the offer, she purchased a car and began the drive from Brisbane to Bendigo the very same day, eager to start her journey with the Spirit.

McDowell-White, a 19-year-old forward from Queensland, played for Southern Districts Spartans in the NBL1 North during the winter.

She hails from one of Australia’s most prominent sporting families.

Her father Darryl White is a three-time AFL premiership-winning player with the Brisbane Lions, while her brothers, Will and Kobe, currently play professionally in Europe and for Illawarra respectively.

Hayley’s sister Jess has previously played for Townsville in the WNBL and is about to embark on a contract with Whai Basketball in New Zealand.

McDowell-White’s own performances in the NBL1 North – including a standout 17-point game in the grand final – have marked her as a rising star in her own right.

The development player signings complete the Spirit roster for the 2025-26 season.

They join fully-contracted squad members Kelsey Griffin, Marianna Tolo, Isobel Borlase, Olivia Pollerd, Kelsey Rees, Abbey Wehrung, Casey Samuels, Georgie Booth, Micah Simpson and import Megan McConnell.

Bendigo Spirit general manager Dan Jackson said he was excited to welcome another two new faces to the Spirit family.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Catherine and Hayley to the Bendigo Spirit,” he said.

“Their performances at trials were outstanding, and their enthusiasm to join our program speaks volumes about the culture we’ve built here.

“After a fantastic season last year, we’re excited to keep building with young talent who are ready to work hard and grow within our system.”

MacGregor and McDowell-White were part of the Spirit squad that travelled to Warrnambool for a pre-season match against Geelong Venom last weekend.

The Spirit open their championship defence against Townsville Fire in Bendigo on October 19.