NSW junior Pitman signs on with Flames for WNBL25
The hard work and dedication of NSW junior Carla Pitman has made her the 10th Sydney Flames’ fully contracted player for the WNBL25 season.
Pitman, who spent last season as a Flames’ development player, replaces Lauren Nicholson’s spot on the roster – after the Flames’ star recently announced she would miss the 2024-25 campaign due to being pregnant with her first child.
Pitman, who is Flame #223, is thrilled to be re-signing with the Hoops Capital club for a second season but her first as a fully-rostered player.
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“It’s so exciting to be named as a fully-contracted player,” Pitman said.
“I have been playing basketball since I was seven, and have gone through the representative programs and all the NSW pathways, and always had a long-term goal of playing in the WNBL.
“So this is a really satisfying achievement of my whole junior career.”
The Norths Bears talent is keen to build on her first season with the harbour city side during the upcoming campaign.
“I can’t wait to build on last year, work with great coaches and play with some amazing players who are great role models for me,” she said.
“Being a development player last year really showed me what it takes to be in the WNBL.
“Also being a DP for the Flames definitely improved my confidence and leadership in NBL1 and the Future Flames program.
“I now know how physical the league is and where I have to be physically to compete alongside professionals.”
The 20-year-old hopes this is just the start for her having a long and successful professional career at the Flames.
“Growing up in Sydney watching the Flames, I always knew I wanted to play for them one day,” the guard said.
“Now that I have this opportunity, it’s a huge moment for me, and I’m determined to make the most of it.”
Coach Molloy is thrilled to reward Pitman with this spot after watching her incredible development over the past 12 months.
“The creation of the Harvey Norman Future Flames program has been incredible, as a way of developing all that great talent we have in that state and Carla is a prime example of that,” Molloy said.
“She well and truly held her own at HoopsFest and based on that and her performances during the pre-season, we thought we would be an ideal candidate for the last spot on our roster.
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“I love the physicality she plays the game with while being fearless with every challenge she sets for her.
“She’s come a long way since she came into our system 12 months ago, having well and truly made the most of her chance with us.
“I’m now excited to see how she responds to trying to carve out real WNBL minutes over the coming weeks and months.”
The Flames tip-off their WNBL25 season with their home opener against Canberra on Sunday, November 3.
This fixture, part of the Hoops Capital club’s first double-header of 2024-25 alongside the Kings’ match with Tasmania, tips off at 1.45pm AEDT at Qudos Bank Arena – with tickets still available here.