Bella is back at Bendigo

Bella Stratford has returned to the Villawood Spirit as a development player for the 2021 WNBL season.

The 20-year-old was at the Spirit in 2019-20, and has been playing with the Southern Tigers in NBL1 Central this winter.

The 174cm South Australian played for the under 18 and 16 state representative teams, and spent last season in the US playing college basketball, averaging 16 minutes and 4.2 points per game in her freshman year.

Spirit coach Tracy York said it was great to have Bella back.

“Bella is a great young person and player,” she said.

“She was a development player with the Spirit during the 2019-20 season and showed with her training commitment, versatility and toughness that she will again be an asset to our program.

“We’re excited she has decided to stay in Australia this season and put on the blue and gold.”

Uncertainty over COVID-19 was behind the Mount Gambier product’s decision to stay closer to home this year, as well as the opportunity to again play under York and alongside some of the game’s stars.

“I am super excited to be joining the Spirit this season,” she said.

“I can’t wait to get started with the girls and I’m keen to see what I can learn from some of the best.”