Griffin’s desire to be best has not waned

THERE have already been four WNBL titles won and celebrated, but Bendigo Spirit star Kelsey Griffin has not waivered in her desire for more team success.

At Friday’s breakfast with Spirit gun recruit and triple Olympian Marianna Tolo, Griffin spoke about reuniting with a gun basketballer who had been a championship-winning team-mate with Canberra Capitals.

“At this stage of my career there are more games behind you than in front of you,” she said.

“To be playing with sensational people like Marianna means a lot,” Griffin said of a Spirit squad that will include another Olympian, Sami Whitcomb for the 2024-25 campaign.

“To have someone of Marianna’s and Sami’s calibre believe in what we are trying to do as a club and share our vision is sensational.

“Sami’s been an opponent for so long, so I am excited she’s now going to be a team-mate.”

Griffin first played for Bendigo Spirit in 2012 and was a key factor in the title victories of 2013 and ’14.

A lot has changed since then.

Griffin said SEN’s 10-year commitment to Bendigo Spirit provided great stability.

“For the young girls of Bendigo and across the region who are playing under-8s or under-10s they can see they can play for their city and in a national competition,” she said.

“For me it’s about wanting to give back, help others develop.

“It means so much more than winning or losing matches.”

Spirit’s season tips off November 2 on its court at Red Energy Arena against Adelaide Lightning.