‘Still more to do’: Griffin re-signs with reigning champion Spirit

BENDIGO Spirit captain Kelsey Griffin believes she has unfinished business as she endeavours to leave the Women’s National Basketball League club, and women’s basketball overall, in better shape for future generations.

It’s her determination to create a legacy that has led Griffin to signing a new one-year deal with the Spirit for the 2025-26 season.

The five-time WNBL champion is coming off another stellar season in which she led the Spirit to their first championship in 11 years and was named in the All-WNBL Second Team.

Committing to her 10th season with the Spirit – and 14th playing in Australasia’s premier women’s basketball league – the 37-year-old said she was thrilled to be pulling on a Spirit jersey once again in preparation for their title defence.

“The decision to re-sign wasn’t about whether or not I’d play in Bendigo; that part was easy,” Griffin said.

“This community has given me and (wife) Erin so much, and we feel deeply connected here.

“What I really had to consider was whether it was time to retire or go around one more time.

“In the end, I felt like there was still more to do.

“With the new ownership of the league and SEN’s continued commitment to Bendigo, I saw an opportunity to be part of shaping what comes next, not just for the Spirit but for the future of women’s basketball in regional communities.

“I want to help build a sustainable club that keeps giving back to Bendigo long after I’ve finished playing.

“That is what this next chapter is about – creating a legacy and making sure I leave things better for the next generation.”

One of the most decorated players in WNBL history, Griffin has been a standout for two teams – the Spirit and Canberra Capitals – since entering the league six rounds into the 2012-13 season.

She has captained 10 of the 13 teams she’s been a part of in the WNBL to date.

As well as five championships (three at the Spirit and two at the Caps), Griffin has won the Suzy Batkovic Medal as league MVP (2019), is a three-time grand final MVP, and has made an All-WNBL Team on five occasions.

Drafted third overall by the Minnesota Lynx in the 2010 WNBA Draft, Griffin went on to play five seasons with the Connecticut Sun, before moving to Australia, gaining citizenship in 2015, and going on to play for the Australian Opals.

Spirit general manager Dan Jackson hailed Griffin’s off-court experience and leadership as valuable assets to the club and was rapt to see her back for the championship defence.

“Having Kelsey on board for next season is amazing for the club,” he said.

“We all know what a star she is on the court, but her leadership – both on and off the court – and how she immerses herself in the local community is what makes her a truly special individual.

“As a club, we are nothing without our community, and Kelsey does a great job at blending the on and off-court seamlessly.”

Griffin joins Opals star Isobel Borlase, Olivia Pollerd and Casey Samuels as players currently signed for the coming 2025-26 season.