Swain to add special skillset to Petty’s side

GEELONG United’s women’s team has received a major boost in its offense following the addition of sharpshooting guard Shaneice Swain for this year’s NBL1 South season.

Since Jamie Petty was announced as the club’s new coach, the former Northside Wizards coach has wasted no time reshaping the squad, with Swain perhaps the biggest move in that regard.

“I am incredibly excited to join Geelong United,” Swain said following the club’s announcement.

“I’m thrilled to see the accomplishments we can achieve together and continue the success that the group had last season.

“On a personal level, this season presents a great opportunity for me to enhance my skills and elevate my game to the next level.”

Swain is fresh off the best basketball of her life and comes to Geelong eager to improve further.

She was selected 14th overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2023 WNBA Draft, after spending the WNBL24 season with the Sydney Uni Flames.

She told this publication she had put off joining the WNBA for one more season so she could hone her skills before playing against the best basketballers on the planet.

A Cairns native, Swain has been a baller since the age of five, representing Queensland North at several national titles.

At the international level, she was a member of the Australian squad that won a silver medal at the 2021 Under 19 World Cup, and also competed at the senior Australian Opals squad during their 2023 Tour of China.

During her rookie WNBL23 season, Swain got the attention of WNBA scouts, playing a key role for the UC Capitals and averaging 14.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists across 18 games, 13 of those as a starter.

Petty said he was keen to see what Swain could bring to her new NBL1 home.

“I’m super-excited to welcome Shaneice to the playing group.

“The myriad of ways she impacts the game will make her a handful for opposing teams.

“Her passing, scoring, and on ball defence are at an elite level, and she has the professionalism off court to match. Shaneice is sure to become a fan favourite at the Geelong Arena.”

Geelong United plays away to Ballarat this Sunday, April 7 before returning home for Round 2 against Bendigo on Friday, April 12.