Final roster secured for Geelong WNBL side

GEELONG United’s inaugural WNBL roster is now complete, following a trio of signings last week.

United welcomed import Lynetta Kizer, Daniel Raber and Taylor Mole to the fold earlier this month, formally completing the club’s 2024-25 playing list just over a month out from its season opener with Townsville.

A stalwart of the WNBA, Kizer stands as an imposing 6-foot-4 centre, bringing with her 12 years of professional experience, seven years of which were in the WNBA where she suited up for the Tulsa Shock, Phoenix Mercury, Indiana Fever, Connecticut Sun and Minnesota Lynx.

“It’s an honour to be part of the inaugural team in Geelong,” Kizer said.

“It’s my first time in the WNBL, so to be a part of a new team, you get a chance to start fresh, get to know the community in Geelong, as well as create some new history for the WNBL.

“I hope to bring a lot of veteran leadership to the team.

“Coach Chris (Lucas) has talked to me about the way he’d like to play this season.

“Obviously we want to win and compete at a very high level, and really just establish what Geelong basketball will look like for the future.”

Raber joins Geelong an Israeli National Team representative, following a big season in the NBL1 West with the Cockburn Cougars, where she averaged 18.7 points, five assists and 11 rebounds per game.

“It feels great to be part of a new team. It’ll be my first season in the WNBL – It’s exciting to build something new,” Raber said.

“I feel I’ve done everything in Israel – I have championships, I have cups, and I needed a new challenge. That was the biggest deciding factor for me to sign on.”

Mole is preparing herself for her second campaign at the WNBL and coming on the back of a stint with Mackay in the NBL1 North competition providing 22 points, 2.7 assists and 7.5 rebounds per game in 2024.

“It feels amazing to be joining Geelong United in the club’s first season,” Mole said.

“I’m really excited to get over there, get to work with everyone, meet all the coaches, the staff and all the girls.

“The group of girls that we have, I know a number of them from the AIS and other competitions playing both with, and against them. We’ll be a super young team, but also an exciting and competitive group that’ll be ready to go come October 30.”

Geelong United’s final roster includes: Jaz Shelley, Keely Froling, Sarah Elsworthy, Elissa Brett, Gemma Potter, Hannah Hank, Monique Conti, Haley Jones, Lynetta Kizer, Daniel Raber and Taylor Mole.