UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA CAPITALS SIGN OLYMPIAN RACHEL JARRY

The University of Canberra Capitals has announced its first signing for the 2017/18 WNBL season with Australian Opal Rachel Jarry joining the club.

Jarry has signed a one-year deal with the UC Capitals, having recently completed her first season of European basketball for French club Lattes Montpellier.

She will take up a contract with WNBA team the Atlanta Dream starting next week, before returning to Australia to link up with the UC Capitals for the 2017/18 season.

The 25-year-old small forward said the opportunity to join a strong, professional team and improve her game under head coach Paul Goriss drew her to Canberra and a return to the WNBL.

ÒI think my versatility and leadership are strengths that I will bring to the team,Ó she said. ÒThere is some great emerging talent in Canberra so IÕm very excited to join the UC Capitals and contribute as best I can.Ó

Head coach Paul Goriss said JarryÕs experience in the WNBA, Europe and in the WNBL made her an important signing for the University of Canberra Capitals.

ÒRachel offers a variety of skills, from her defence and rebounding to her shooting and ability to get to the basket,Ó Goriss said.

ÒLosing long-time stalwart and captain Carly Wilson to retirement, we identified early on that we needed a player with RachelÕs experience and leadership to add to our roster. We also need that toughness to continue improving as a club.

ÒWe are very excited to welcome Rachel to the University of Canberra Capitals.Ó

Jarry was part of the Opals team to win a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics.

She also represented Australia at the 2016 Games in RioÊde Janeiro.

She won a WNBA championship in her rookie year with the Minnesota Lynx in 2013 before returning to Australia to play for the now defunct South East Queensland Stars in the WNBL.

Jarry also previously played for the AIS (2008-2009) and Melbourne Boomers (2009-2014).