Venezuelan powerhouse a perfect fit for Supercats
VENEZUELAN star Daniela Wallen is the second women’s import signed by the Lady Supercats as the club bolsters its SEABL title defence.
The former College player at Oklahoma City University produced a record to savour, where she was named the National Association of Intercol- legiate Athletics player of the year last season.
Wallen was also named defensive player of the year, voted as a two-time Women’s Basketball Coaches Association All-American and an NAIA All-American across her college career.
With a college average of 24.6 points a game, Wallen was picked up by professional club EOS in Sweden, where she’ll finish her European season before arriving in Geelong.
“At just under six foot tall, Daniela is powerful and plays with a grit and determination that really impressed us,” Lady Supercats coach Dave Herbert said. “Obviously she loves the big occasion and just seems to find ways to get it done, whether at college, in Sweden or internationally for Venezuela.
“In every team and game I have watched Daniela play she has posted a double-double.
“Whether playing in the post or on the perimeter she has shown the versatility we require to challenge for a finals birth in the SEABL this year.”
Herbert said Wallen had the assets to complement fellow import, former WNBA player, Chelsea Poppens.
“I have watched hours of footage of her play and the thing that impressed me the most was how competitive and passionate she is,” he said.
“Her ability to run the floor, dive on loose balls and do all of the 1 per cent things to help her team achieve success made the decision to recruit her a nobrainer. We searched high and low for the right player and we believe we have found the piece of the puzzle we are looking for.”