Scheer delight as US import returns
STAR Charger Kathleen Scheer is just as excited for her sixth year with Hobart as she was for her first after re-signing for the 2018 SEABL season.
The American import has proven a hit on and off the court since first joining the group in 2013 and considers the state a second home.
Currently playing in Poland, the multiple league MVP told the Mercury she had no hesitation in putting pen to paper to return Down Under as the Chargers women look to again become a title contender.
“Hobart is like a second home to me, it’s the people there that make it such an incredible place to live and to play,” Scheer said.
“This will be season six, but I still get this overwhelming excitement about knowing that I will again get to play alongside some of my closest friends. We are like a family.
“We have an awesome coach, an amazing board, a president with such enthusiasm and passion. Our fans are the absolute best. Our sponsors are incredible and so loyal.
“Also being able to play in front of our fans at the DEC is something I’m really looking forward to. I love it there.”
Scheer is the first major signing for coach Dwain Davie, who said his No. 1 priority was locking away his key forward-centre.
“The two seasons she has had while I’ve been coaching have been remarkable and is something we can’t take for granted,” Davie said.
He said stability and conti- nuity among players were key factors in building for success.
“I have no doubt if she really wanted to she could have got more money elsewhere and gone to another part of the country, but she loves Hobart and the team,” he said.
The men will also have a familiar face next season with excitement machine Mathiang Muo recommitting.
A number of clubs were chasing the athletic Sudaneseborn shooter but after several weeks of negotiations the Chargers landed their man.
“Really important piece to the puzzle for the Chargers,” coach Anthony Stewart said.
“Obviously he was the one guy we needed to get signed as quick as possible. We had to fight pretty hard to keep him.”
The Chargers are still searching for a big body to fill the second import spot, with NBL players Cody Ellis (Wollongong) and Perth Wildcat Rhys Vague on the radar.