Emerging star Ella Tofaeono signs with the UC Capitals
The UC Capitals are excited to announce New Zealand born centre Ella Tofaeono as the newest signing for the club, marking the fourth player to be named in the 2024/25 roster.
The 6-foot 3 centre was a development player with Townsville Fire last season and is currently playing with the Townsville Flames in NBL1 North where she is averaging a double-double with a 63% FG percentage.
“I am beyond excited to be joining the UC Capitals,” Ella said.
“I am really looking forward to being coached and play for Gorrie and so grateful to be in this league as a fully rostered player and getting to do this as my fulltime job.
“I can’t wait to experience living in another part of the country as well and share the court with some of the greats of this league.”
Ella’s first season in the WNBL was invaluable, with four opportunities on the court, countless off the court, and the experience of finals basketball.
“Being under Shannon at the Fire as a development player and working in the off season with him, as well as Flames Head Coach James Rapinett in NBL, has enabled me to prepare both mentally and physically.
“I feel that I bring an inside presence and working alongside both of them has developed my IQ, decision making and skillset to bring to the Caps this next year.”
In 2017, Ella made the move to the USA, signing with Midland College and going on to earn a spot on the NJCAA All-American Third Team. From 2020-2021 she attended senior college at NCAA Div 1 school – Texas A&M, averaging 0.750 shooting percentage and was SEC Champion. From there, Ella became a Texas Tech Red Raider and stayed there until 2023 before returning to Australia to play in the NBL1. This year, Ella was invited to a training camp with the Tall Ferns.
“Ella is an emerging talent in WNBL I believe she has the necessary physical tools to be a WNBL player and with the opportunity to develop and work on her game I think it was a great pick up for our team,” UC Capitals Head Coach Paul Goriss said.
“Ella is a physical defender, screen setter and competes at a high level. I believe she has got so much room for growth, and I will provide her with those opportunities on court with the Caps.
“We will see the emergence of Ella maybe not straight away, but I believe she will get better and better throughout the season. Ella’s want to get better and prove herself as a legitimate WNBL player drew to me to her. She has a passion for the game and being a great teammate.
“I have known Ella for a few years and the kind of person she is, will help grow our team. Ella is one of the most grateful people I know, and she will do whatever it takes to help the team succeed. She has fantastic energy and is a great communicator.”
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