Wildcats add a bucket

The Eltham Wildcats have signed Hailey Leidel for the 2022 Coles Express NBL1 South season.

The Brownstown, Michigan (USA) native played 4 years at the University of Massachusetts where she graduated second-leading scorer in the program history (1,841 points) ranking first in games started, minutes played, three-pointers made and free throw percentage. In her freshman year Hailey also won Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year and Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team honours.

The 24-year-old shooting guard has also played professionally in Luxenberg, Greece and last year in Sweden for Alvik Basket where she averaged 14ppg on 40.5% shooting from the three-point line. 

Coach Grant Hardy believes the 24-year-old’s elite shooting and game play will bring an extra dynamic to the line-up.

“Whilst young, Hailey has already achieved a lot in her career and is a proven scorer and perimeter threat. She will be an integral part of the team both on and off the court moving forward. We can’t wait for our Wildcat fans to see her play.”

Success & culture lured Leidel’s talents to the Wildcats for the 2022 season.

“Talking with coach everything sounded so positive with the team, facilities, and area of the club. The team is working toward a championship and that’s something I wanted to be a part of. 

“I’m always excited to play in a new league, learning and having to adapt to the style or play and being able to bring what I have to offer into the equation. I’ve wanted to come to Australia for some time now and I can’t think of a better reason to come than being able to play the game I love while getting to experience and explore it.”

Leidel will join fellow American import Korinne Campbell and Australian talent Lily Scanlon, Rebecca Pizzey, Taylah Wynne, Ally Marshall, Emily Davies, and the rest of our Wildcat team in action when the 2022 NBL1 South season tips off this Saturday night (April 23^rd) against the Nunawading Spectres at the Nunawading Basketball Centre.

Secure your tickets to all home games and exclusive access opportunities for the whole family with a Wildcat NBL1 membership now at https://elthamwildcats.member-tix.com/.

The Eltham Wildcats are in the final stages of building their $19m stadium at Montmorency SC featuring a 1,200 seat show court area; in what will be the jewel in the sporting landscape in north-eastern Melbourne, whilst hosting the Eltham NBL1 home matches and other big events.

Stay tuned for more announcements to come as we build up to the 2022 season tip off this weekend.

The NBL1 represents the highest level achievable for players, coaches, technical officials and game day staff in the Eltham Wildcats pathway. It provides individuals in the north-east of Melbourne with a chance to be exposed to the national leagues. The Eltham Wildcats aim to have teams that strongly represent the north-east of Melbourne and players who’ve come through the Eastern Districts Junior Basketball Association (EDJBA).