Seahawks sign MVP and Eltham gun for 2022

The North Gold Coast Seahawks have confirmed the signing of QSL Women's MVP Courtney Willemse and former Eltham star Erin Riley.

Having a breakout season in 2021 after returning from ACL surgery, Willemse is excited to test herself against the best in the state, joining best friend Erin Riley for a shot at another title as a part of the Seahawks.

Willemse carried the scoring load for the undefeated and Champion Seahawks side last season, and is looking to carry on that form in 2022.

"This past QSL season was an awesome experience for me," Willemse said.

"After coming off my ACL surgery, I was just keen to keep playing and when Brad (Kann) made the call to come play, I just saw it as a fantastic opportunity to get back on the floor.

"To be named Most Valuable Player of the competition was a huge reward after only making my way back into this year.

"Now to be able to have the opportunity to play within the NBL1 North competition really gives me the chance to play against current and former WNBL players, and some of the best players in the country, which I am incredibly excited about.

"I can’t wait to get back to the Gold Coast in 2022 and get into pre-season with the group."

Seahawks coach Brad Kann is pumped to get the MVP back into the group.

"Courtney showed tremendous resilience last season, with her not only moving away from home for the first time, but returning from a serious knee injury," Kann said.

"To then be named the MVP of the QSL competition is a true reflection on the amount of work Courtney put into her game when she got here.

"Her ability to be able to shoot the ball at a high level is going to be something other teams will need to scout her on, and I truly believe she can be one of the best shooters in the NBL1 comp.

"I’m excited that she has signed back on with us for our first season in the NBL1 competition and to see how her game can transition into at this level."

Riley is coming off a stellar campaign in the 2021 NBL1 South disrupted season, averaging 10.18 points per game, 4.0 rebounds and 3.72 assists to help the Eltham Wildcats to a top four finish, before COVID shut down the Victorian competition for the year.

The talented 19-year-old has had an exceptional junior career, being a part of both the U17 and U19 Australian Junior Camps, and is looking to further her career at the Nest in 2021.

Kann is ecstatic to have Riley on board.

"Erin has had an exceptional junior career, being a National Champion throughout her time as a Victoria Metro junior, being a part of Australian Junior Camps and having a fantastic 2021 NBL1 South season for Eltham," he said.

"With that type of success on her resume, we were pumped to have the opportunity to get Erin here for our first season in the NBL1 North competition.

"Erin’s style of play really suits how we are going to play this coming season, with her ability to shoot the ball from the perimeter, as well as bring her teammates into the game through her passing skills, she is an exciting prospect for us.

"Erin has the ultimate goal of being in the WNBL and we want to put her in the best position to achieve those goals."

Riley is equally as excited to get to the Gold Coast for season 2022.

"I am really looking forward to being a part of the Seahawks for next year," Riley said.

"After speaking with Head Coach Brad Kann about where I want to be with my career, I felt the Seahawks were the best place for me to be able to achieve these goals.

"It’s an exciting opportunity for me to get myself out of Melbourne and to experience living away from home and putting myself into a really professional atmosphere."

View the 2022 NBL1 roster tracker here.