ROCCI SET FOR A SECOND SEASON WITH THE FLYERS

Maddy Rocci is set to continue her WNBL career with Southside Flyers in the upcoming season.

A dual WNBL Championship player who returned to Melbourne last year to join the Flyers, Rocci is looking forward to continuing her career at Southside building on her role with the team.

“I was keen to get back to play in Melbourne last year and have been fortunate to part of the Flyers. We didn’t have the success we wanted last year but it highlighted how professional the team is and how hard everyone works so I am really looking forward to this season,” Rocci said.

“Importantly, while we work hard, there is time for fun and everyone at the Flyers enjoys being part of the team and that makes for a fantastic environment, plus I get to play in front of family and friends,” added Rocci.

Returning to Melbourne after six years away and joining the Flyers coincided with her inclusion in the Australian Opals training squad, a role she continued in this year with the World Cup Squad in New York.

Flyers coach Cheryl Chambers said Rocci is a key player for the Flyers.

“We were fortunate to add such a quality young player to our team last year, she continued to grow during the season and will no doubt take her game to another level this year. Her speed is supported by quick hands, and she reads the play well. While we know she can score, she is also a very tough defensive player.

“Last year also confirmed what a quality person Maddy is and her input on and off the court is important,” Chambers said.

Rocci grew up in Werribee and lived around the corner from Werribee Stadium, although her early basketball was played in the backyard with her siblings (three brothers and a sister), before the competitive career started with the Werribee Devils when she was 11 years of age.

Her career highlights, include the two WNBL Championships, a Gold Medal with the Australian Under 18 Oceania Championships in 2016 and representing Australia in Under 17 and Under 19 World Championships and being a member of the Opals Squad in 2021 and 2022.