Ruef’s WNBL journey comes full circle by signing with Flames
The Sydney Flames are thrilled to announce Mikaela Ruef as their seventh signing for the fast-approaching WNBL25 season.
Ruef, who played with the Flames during the 2014-15 season, will join Cayla George, Lauren Nicholson, Shaneice Swain, Celeste Taylor, Emma Clarke and Sherrie Calleia on Guy Molloy’s squad for the 2024-25 campaign.
“I’m really excited to come back and play for the Flames,” said the 33-year-old Ruef.
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“It was the first team I played for when I came over from the United States, so I look forward to coming back to the club to see how it’s grown and changed in the years.
“[Adding to that], I believe Guy [Molloy] is one of the best coaches in the league, who plays a style that I enjoy – so I’m excited to play for him this season.
“I’m also really excited to play with Lauren Nicholson again – she’s a great teammate and a fantastic player.
“We won a championship together in Townsville, so hopefully we can do that again this year.”
Born in Dayton, Ohio, Ruef attended Beavercreek High School before playing five seasons with the Stanford Cardinal.
During that time, Ruef’s US college side reached the NCAA Final Four on four occasions, including finishing as national runner-up in 2009-10.
Following that, she was selected by the Seattle Storm with the 31st pick in the 2014 WNBA Draft, before deciding to play abroad in Australia with the Flames.
After the Hoops Capital club, Ruef had stints with Adelaide, Canberra, Toulouse (France), Charnay Basket South Burgundy (France) and Townsville.
With this resume, Ruef is confident she can be a valuable asset to the harbour city side.
“I think the biggest thing that I can bring to the team this year is rebounding and effort,” said Ruef, who is currently playing for the North Gold Coast Seahawks in the NBL1 North competition.
“I love playing basketball, so I try to enjoy it and play hard every time I get on the floor.
“I don’t care what my role on the team is, I just want to win and do whatever I can to make sure that happens.
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Coach Molloy believes the 2023 WNBL champion can add a lot to his playing group this season.
“As a coach, I’ve always thought highly of Mikaela, as she’s one of those players who you hate coaching against,” Molloy said.
“She’s one of the top rebounders in the competition, has a high basketball IQ and is very efficient on both ends of the floor.
“Mikaela has garnered great respect around the league as someone who is willing to help her team win, in any way she can, which is exactly why we wanted her in Sydney – especially as we needed extra depth in our bigs.
“I’m pumped she’ll be in Flames colours this season.”
Stay up to date with all the harbour city club’s off-season news here.