Shyla Heal will make her WNBL return with Geelong United, almost 40 years after her famous father Shane rocketed to fame playing in the basketball-mad city.
Heal’s move to the WNBL’s newest franchise is expected to be confirmed later on Monday ahead of the new season set to begin in spring.
United will hope Heal’s arrival can help hoist the club up the ladder following a second-last placed finish after they overtook the Melbourne Boomers’ WNBL licence this year.
“I’m really excited to be a part of the club,” Heal said.
“I feel like I’ve got an opportunity to help women’s basketball to take a step forward and keep growing in Geelong and the outer regions.”
Not only was it the city itself that drew Shyla to signing in Geelong, but also the belief in ownership and direction of the club.
“I had meetings with Chris (Lucas) and the ownership and they really sold me on the club’ vision,” she said.
“Chris is a very experienced coach and I’m excited to play for him. What also drew me to Geelong was the girls I will be playing with. I went to the AIS with a few of the girls already on the team, Jaz, Gemma, Ellissa and Taylor, so that was a positive for me because I know we will have a great culture with great people around and also have a chance to seriously compete.”
At Geelong, Heal is expected to wear the No.23 jersey that father Shane donned during his three-year stint at now-defunct NBL club Geelong Supercats between 1989 and 1991.
