Wilson to skip Spirit championship defence

THE heart and soul of the Bendigo Spirit, Kelly Wilson will miss the club’s Women’s National Basketball League championship defence in preparation for the arrival of her and partner Michael’s second child.

The Spirit announced last week that the five-time WNBL championship-winning guard would be stepping away from basketball for the upcoming season with the club’s full blessing.

Spirit general manager Dan Jackson said the entire Spirit family congratulated Wilson and her family on this exciting news and fully supported her decision to take time away from the game.

“Kelly has given so much to Australian basketball over her incredible career to date – especially at the Spirit – and we’re thrilled for her as she prepares to welcome another addition to her family,” he said.

“We’ll miss her presence on the court this season, but we wish her, Michael and Teddy all the best for this next chapter for their family, and we look forward to seeing her back on court – in whatever capacity that may be – when the time is right.”

The Spirit’s 2024-25 championship-winning season was Wilson’s 22nd in the league.

Already the league’s games record-holder, passing the 450-game mark in February this year, the 41-year-old became the WNBL’s all-time assists leader during last season.

A Spirit fan favourite, she played in the club’s 2012-13 and 2013-14 championships, before adding her third and fourth at Townville Fire (2017-18) and Canberra Capitals (2018-19).

The Spirit will undergo further changes at the guard position, after confirming star import Veronica Burton will not return for a second season as she concentrates on her WNBA commitments with Golden State Valkyries.

Named in the WNBL All-Star Second Team, Burton averaged 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game in her debut season.

Meanwhile, the Spirit’s push to actively position itself as a team for all of regional Victoria and to inspire the next generation of WNBL athletes will lead them to Warrnambool this pre-season.

The Spirit will play Geelong Venom in a pre-season match on Saturday, October 4, at Warrnambool Stadium.

The game will be complemented by a series of community activities designed to inspire and engage local youth.

Jackson said the Spirit were looking forward to connecting with basketball fans in Warrnambool.

“It’s more than just a game – it’s a chance for young people to see what’s possible,” he said.

“When kids see professional female athletes competing at the highest level, it plants a seed.

“It shows them that they can dream big, regardless of gender. “With both us and the Venom being based in Victorian regional centres ourselves, we can see the impact that having a professional sports team based locally has on the community, so we hope we can bring a little bit of that influence to Warrnambool and the surrounding communities when we visit.”

The Spirit’s push into other Victorian regions this season will include a regular season game in Ballarat against Geelong on 5 December.

They are again tipped to visit Mildura, after playing regular season games at the Mildura Sporting Precinct during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons.