Leilani Mitchell Brings Championship-Winning Experience to the Boomers

The Deakin Melbourne Boomers are excited to announce the signing of Leilani Mitchell for the remainder of the 2022-23 Cygnett WNBL season. Mitchell, 37, is coming back to the WNBL and professional basketball after giving birth last year, and will resume her career after stints with Bendigo, Southside (where she won a championship in 2020), Canberra and Sydney.

As well as being an Australian Opal since 2014, Mitchell brings over a decade of WNBA experience to the Boomers, and will provide key support to our backcourt in her backup role as point guard.

Mitchell says,

“I’m excited to be back in the WNBL, and to be joining the Boomers. They have a proven, winning culture, and are defending champions, so it is an incredible opportunity and I can’t wait to get started.

Coach Chris Lucas echoed Mitchell’s excitement, adding,

“Leilani is a seasoned veteran with a high basketball IQ, a proven winner, with a personality which will only enhance our already great team chemistry. Her experience both on and off the floor will prove invaluable as we approach the business end of the season.”

Mitchell comes in as an injury replacement for Tess Madgen who was injured on national duties for the Australian Opals at the FIBA Women’s World Cup in September. Under the WNBL’s longstanding rule regarding replacement players for athletes injured on national duties, Mitchell is eligible to play in the WNBL Finals.

The Boomers will welcome Mitchell late next week in Melbourne and will provide an update on her availability, along with a date for her season debut, as we finalise these details.

Welcome to the Deakin Melbourne Boomers, Leilani Mitchell. We are very happy to have you.