Tess Madgen joins the Fire
The JCU Townsville Fire have signed WNBL All-Star Tess Madgen for the 2018/19 season.
Having coveted the former Melbourne captain for some time, Madgen, who has also enjoyed stints in the WNBA and Europe, agreed to link up with the Fire earlier this week in a major signing coup.
The 27-year-old joins six-time WNBL MVP Suzy Batkovic, Opals forward Darcee Garbin and New Zealand Olympian Micaela Cocks on the Fire’s roster.
“I am very excited about joining the Fire,” Madgen said.
“The club has a strong history of success, especially in recent years and I am really looking forward to contributing to a title defence.
“I can’t wait to get up to Townsville and get to work with the girls.”
During a decorated 173-game WNBL career, Madgen has enjoyed stints at the AIS, Bendigo and Melbourne, winning back-to-back MVP awards with the Spirit before doing likewise for the Boomers.
Madgen was named a WNBL All-Star in 2014/15 after averaging 16 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.7 assists for the Boomers.
“I’m really excited to have Tess join our club,” championship-winning coach Claudia Brassard said.
“She’s a player we’ve tried recruiting previously and I know she will fit right in to our club’s culture of excellence.
“She can contribute at both ends of the floor and her versatility means we can play her at a few positions.
“What’s always stood out to me is her competitiveness and ability to generate extra possessions. I’m looking forward to coaching her.”
Having injured her knee playing for AZS UMCS in Poland in 2016/17, Madgen will make her return to competitive basketball with Dandenong during the up-coming SEABL season.
The combo guard is then expected to press for Opals selection ahead of the 2018 World Championships in September.
“It was really important to me – returning from a significant injury – to join a club that would get me back to a better level than I was at pre-injury,” Madgen said.
“The environment the Fire provide with their coaching and support staff – along with the core group of returning players – I believe this is the perfect environment for me to do that.”