A brand new-look Adelaide Lightning has secured the companies of an Australian basketball nice, with the membership signing former Opals star Tess Madgen in a key off-court appointment.
The Lightning on Friday confirmed that Madgen — a WNBL champion and the captain of the Opals crew that claimed a celebrated bronze medal on the Paris Olympics — had joined the membership as a particular advisor, with participant growth, high-performance tradition and long-term strategic growth to kind a key a part of her function.
It comes because the Lightning additionally signed former Melbourne Boomers govt director, Bernadette Dodd, as their interim common supervisor.
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The Lightning’s instant future within the WNBL was secured in Could when the South Australian authorities dedicated to take a position $571,000 a 12 months for the subsequent three years into the membership whereas teaming up with the league’s new possession.
In addition to main the Opals to an Olympic medal in 2024, claiming two FIBA World Cup medals and gaining WNBA publicity in 2015, Madgen performed over 250 WNBL video games throughout 4 golf equipment earlier than retiring from the game in September final 12 months.
A product of South Australian membership Jap Mavericks and an SA Nation junior consultant, Madgen grew up idolising stars of the Lightning, who’ve gained 5 WNBL championships.
Madgen mentioned her connection to the Lightning was each skilled — she’s decided to assist the membership declare its first WNBL championship for the reason that 2007/08 season — and private.
“I keep in mind sitting within the stands as a child, watching the Lightning dominate the league – these moments impressed my very own journey in basketball,” Madgen mentioned.
“To now be capable to give again and assist rebuild this unimaginable membership is particular. I imagine in what the Lightning may be once more – a crew that competes for Championships, evokes younger ladies to choose up a basketball, and brings the South Australian basketball group collectively.”
Dodd mentioned she was excited to work carefully with Madgen.
“Tess brings greater than on-court expertise – she brings a perception of what the membership may be,” Dodd mentioned.
“A perception within the power of South Australian Basketball and within the work it takes to create a profitable tradition. Her management, aggressive edge and deep roots within the state make her a useful a part of the construct.”
The announcement comes days after the WNBL free company interval opened.
The Lightning misplaced 20-year-old sensation Isobel Borlase to reigning champion Bendigo Spirit, whereas younger gun Dallas Loughridge parted methods with the Southside Flyers.
The Sydney Flames additionally signed Agnes Emma-Nnopu to a three-year contract to kick off the free company interval.