Another Young Local Star Joins Boomers Squad

The Deakin Melbourne Boomers have added a fifth Development Player for the upcoming 2018/19 Chemist Warehouse WNBL season after claiming the signature of young Knox Basketball guard, Leah Santomaggio.

The 17-year old, who is currently working her way through Year 12, caught the eye of the Boomers more than 12 months ago when compiling high stats in the Big V competition with the Knox Raiders.

This season Santomaggio has been playing for the Raiders in both the youth and senior teams, continuing to develop under senior coach Matt Shanahan.

A product of the Knox All Stars domestic basketball club, the sharp-shooter joins Jade Melbourne (Traralgon), Lara Edmanson (Hawthorn), Olivia Pollerd (Southern Peninsula) and Isobel Anstey (Dandenong) as Development Players at the Boomers.

“I’m really excited by the opportunity in front of me,” said Leah, adding, “I’ve been to so many Boomers games with my family, we are all members, sitting in the stands and cheering the team on. I can’t believe I’m now going to be a part of the club as a development player.

“The Boomers are so supportive of young players. I can’t wait to meet the team and get started. It’s an amazing opportunity, I’m still pinching myself.”

For Coach Guy Molloy, the addition of Santomaggio is testament to the hard work she has been doing along the pathway at Knox.

“We’re very pleased to add another young and developing player to the Boomers. Leah has been in our sights for some time, she has progressed through the junior and senior programs at Knox Basketball and she shows a real desire to take her game to the next level,” Molloy said.

“Leah can score strongly and has a high work ethic, really good qualities that we are looking forward to seeing. Along with our other four young development players, we know Leah will adapt quickly to the demands of learning her craft in a WNBL environment.”

The Boomers squad now sits at 16 players with another contracted senior player set to be announced in the near future.

To join Melbourne’s WNBL team as a member, go to www.boomersmemberships.com.au