Mansfield and Froling to fan the fire as leaders of the young Flames
Lauren Mansfield (right) and Keely Froling (left) have been named co-captains of the Brydens Sydney Uni Flames for the 2021-22 WNBL season.
Froling joins Mansfield, who captained the Flames last season, in a powerful leadership combination.
Boomers great and Flames head coach Shane Heal said it was a straight-forward decision to name the pair to lead the new-look, young and exciting Flames unit.
“The decision to name Keely and Lauren as co captains was not a difficult one,” Heal said.
“Both players have the leadership qualities to help lead this very young team.
“Lauren has the experience and Keely has the mindset and communication skills to make this co-captaincy really strong.
“We understand that a rebuild is tough and the whole team needs to learn very quickly and also show leadership attributes as we grow together. We will have some highs and lows like any young team and investing in next stars and their leadership will only make us stronger year by year.”
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The 31-year-old Mansfield, a veteran proven performer and star of the WNBL, is excited by the prospect about sharing leadership responsibilities with Froling.
“It’s really cool. I love Keely, she’s a great leader and we will work well together,” Mansfield said.
“We are very different in our styles but I’m excited by what we could bring. We are young but it’s a great group of girls and they will be very good at listening and adapting
We will be a run-and-gun team but I’ll be looking to lead on the court so we understand to control the tempo and game as well.”
The 25-year-old Froling, who joined the Flames in the off-season, already has a wealth of experience in the WNBL including two titles with the UC Capitals.
“I’m really excited and humbled to be named co-captain alongside Loz,” Froling said.
“I’ve always prided myself on being a leader so to have that recognised is really great and I hope I can help lead this group to finals and a championship. “
The Flames roster is complete and in full training mode in Sydney in preparation for the season which starts with a blockbuster double header with the Sydney Kings at Qudos Bank Arena on December 5.
The Flames will be first on centre stage on December 5 up against arch rivals the UC Capitals, featuring Froling’s twin sister Alicia.
Tickets to the Flames games at Brydens Stadium will be on sale later this month.