College star is netted by Fire
THE Townsville Fire has added another piece to its 2020-21 season jigsaw puzzle by signing college star Courtney Woods.
The 183cm Brisbane native is returning to Australia after spending five years playing on the MAC conference with the NIU Huskies, where she became NIU’S all-time leader in three-point shots made (323), and their second all-time scorer with 2216 points.
She is also the current NIU seasons record-holder for three-pointers made (105).
Woods’ signing is set to bolster the Fire’s shooting prowess from beyond the arc, and Fire head coach Shannon Seebohm said the 23-year-old would fit perfectly into his new-look roster.
“She has had a fantastic last year at college, she has faced challenges through injury during her time at college, but her resilience and work ethic is everything I look for in a player,” he said.
“I am excited to add a young talent like Courtney to our team for this season.
“She was a Queensland junior and has proven to be a tremendous scorer over the course of her college career.
“Her ability to shoot the ball is definitely going to add value to our team. I think she has a huge upside and I’m excited to coach
Townsville.”
Woods was a member of Queensland’s Under-10 representative team and was rated a top-20 women’s basketball prospect.
Woods said returning to her “home” state would help supercharge her professional career.
“After five years of playing on the other side of the world, I am very excited to return home and be given the opportunity to begin my dream of being a professional basketball player in my home state,” she said.
“I made the easy decision to sign with Townsville because it felt like the perfect fit and provides me with the opportunity to learn from great coaches and players.
“I believe Townsville will provide me with the tools and support to make the jump from collegiate to professional basketball and I can’t wait to get started at my new home with my new team.”
Woods is the eighth WNBL player to be signed by the Fire ahead of the season, starting in November, with Megan Mckay, Nadeen Payne, Lauren Nicholson, Kate Gaze, Zitina Aokuso, Mia Murray and Shyla Heal locked in. her here in
HER ABILITY TO SHOOT THE BALL IS DEFINITELY GOING TO ADD VALUE TO OUR TEAM.
SHANNON SEEBOHM