Flames sign Martin and Anderson as WNBL25 development players
The Sydney Flames are excited to announce that Caitlyn Martin and Piper Anderson have both signed on as the club’s development players for the fast-approaching WNBL25 season.
After showing plenty of development during her first season with the Hoops Capital club, Martin produced another strong NBL1 East season with the Norths Bears – helping them reach the preliminary final.
On top of that, she excelled during the inaugural Harvey Norman Future Flames program, which is a direct pathway into the state’s lone WNBL club.
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As such, Martin is thrilled to be re-signing with the Hoops Capital club for a second season.
“I’m really excited to be back with the Flames as a development player – I had such an amazing experience last season with the team, so I can’t wait to get back into it and build on from last year,” Martin said.
“It [being part of the Flames system] has taken my game to the next level.
“I learnt so much being a development player last year just from being in the professional environment and playing against elite-level players.
“You learn to play better defence but also to play better offence.
“[Additionally] the Future Flames has also been a great program that has furthered my development.
“Renae [Garlepp] has allowed for a talented bunch of girls in NSW to play with and against each other and the competitive environment makes me want to be better each week.”
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Due to all these factors, Martin said it was an easy decision to re-sign with Sydney.
“I believe the Flames is the perfect fit for me right now, as I’m still developing and trying to reach that next level and I believe I can do that best being coached by Guy and Renae,” the 19-year-old said.
“I learnt so much from Guy last season and I have so much more still to learn.
“The Flames are also filled with so many amazing players that I can really take notes and learn from to help me move forward.”
Much like Martin, Anderson was part of the first-ever season of the Harvey Norman Future Flames, before shining during the club’s appearance at HoopsFest in Perth.
Now she’s been rewarded with her first development player contract, which is a dream come true.
“It’s been a dream of mine to be a Flame growing up in Sydney,” said Anderson, who played for the Sydney Comets during the NBL1 East season.
“I now appreciate the program that Hoops Capital has built up from the ground and how special it is to be part of that great community of people.
“Living in Sydney my whole life, I’ve played with and against girls like Carla [Pitman] and Caitlyn and have seen what being DPs here has done for them – so that drove me even further to achieve this goal of mine.”
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Anderson, who starred at Perth’s HoopsFest, intends to make the most of this opportunity.
“I hope this is just the start of me being a seasoned pro,” the 20-year-old said.
“Being around players like Cayla [George] will really help me build confidence and wisdom in basketball while learning what it takes to succeed in the WNBL.
“Learning as much as I can, combined with working hard, will give me the best chance of establishing myself as a WNBL player in the future.”
Flames coach Guy Molloy is thrilled to have Martin and Anderson with the Flames WNBL25.
“We’re excited to have Caitlyn and Piper in our system, as we continue to promote that NSW women’s pathway at our club and solidify a strong base of players from this state,” Molloy said.
“They have both been a huge part of why the Harvey Norman Future Flames has been the success it has, by setting a standard that’s been very impressive
“As individuals, they have both brought an excellent dedication to this program since they were first brought in, which combined with a high work rate has seen a consistent level of improvement.
“Both played well at HoopsFest, showing a fearlessness that I really liked and optimises what it means to be a Flame.
“I’m keen to see where a year on our system can take their development, as I’d love to see them continue to grow and become entrenched in our team as fully-contracted players in the future – which if they continue to put the effort in, I’m confident they can.”
Both of the rising stars are keen to learn from Sydney’s exciting roster, which also features Cayla George, Shaneice Swain, Celeste Taylor, Yemiyah Morris, Emma Clarke, Mikaela Ruef, Isabella Brancatisano, Sherrie Calleia, Bonnie Deas and Carla Pitman.