Flames announce development players for the 2021-22 WNBL season

October 22, 2021 | Sydney Flames news

Two young stars will ignite the future of the Brydens Sydney Uni Flames, coach Shane Heal believes. 

Sherrie Calleia (left in image) and Morgan Yaeger have been confirmed as the club’s development players for the 2021-22 Women’s National Basketball League season, which will get underway in December. 

Yaeger (23), is a 177 cm guard hailing from South Australia. NSW product Calleia (22) is a 172 cm guard who made her debut with the Flames in the 2020. 

Heal admits Yaeger won her spot in the Flames unit after being previously unheralded. 

“I didn’t know anything about Morgan before trials,” Heal said. 

“She flew herself in from Adelaide to compete for a position. I couldn’t be more impressed with her ability and work ethic and I can already see she is competing for minutes this season against our contracted players.  

“She is a baller and someone that really suits our system. I believe she will become a very good professional.” 

Equally, Calleia won her spot in the team through her performance in trials.  

“Sherrie brought a toughness and determination that helped her compete against the contracted players,” Heal said. 

“Sherrie earned this position after being a DP (development player) last year and we have already seen improvement in a short timeframe.” 

Yaeger played her junior career with the Forestville Eagles in Adelaide and played college basketball with the University of Oregon, playing three times in the Pac-12 Regular Season Championships and twice in the Pac-12 Tournament Championships. 

She was a star with the Southern Tigers in the South Australian NBL1 Central conference this year, winning the championship and being selected in the conference All-Star Five. 

“I’m just really blessed and thankful to be here,” Yaeger said of her selection with the Flames. 

“This group of girls and coaches are so fun to be around, and in the month I’ve been here, I’ve already learnt and improved so much.” 

Calleia, a product of the Hills Hornets, has been a long-time member of the Brydens Sydney Uni Flames development squad. 

“I am so excited to be given this opportunity to train with the Flames once again,” Calleia said.
“Shane is a great coach and I can’t wait to keep improving my game under his expertise and mentorship.” 

The announcement of the development players for the season means the only position left to fill is a replacement import, Leaonna Odom, the WNBA star having to withdraw due to injury. 

The WNBL schedule is expected to be released very soon but it is confirmed the Flames will play at least six doubleheaders with the NBL Brydens Lawyers Sydney Kings at Qudos Bank Arena.