Froling set for new chapter under father’s Boomers teammate

TOWNSVILLE product Keely Froling has continued a hectic period on the court, following her signing with the Sydney University Flames for the upcoming WNBL season.

Already in the mix for a maiden Olympic Games in the 3x3 competition, the 25-yearold will work under new coach Shane Heal having established herself as a premier star of the national competition. Froling has been identified from a young age as an athlete to watch, ever since she impressed as a development player with the Townsville Fire prior to her college stint in Texas.

She will leave the UC Canberra Capitals with two WNBL titles to her credit.

“I’m so excited to be playing with the Flames for this season under Shane,” Froling said.

“I think the style of play and team he is recruiting suits my game perfectly and I’m ready to get there, get to Sydney and get to work.”

Before Froling, whose family is blessed with a plethora of national basketball talent, embarks on this next chapter of her career, she will be focused on earning Australia a plane ticket to Tokyo.

From May 26 she will take part in the FIBA Olympic

Qualifying Tournaments being held in Austria.

She has also been a colossal force in the NBL1 South League for the Launceston Tornadoes, averaging 34 points and 16 rebounds a game.

Froling’s signing follows the acquisition of Townsville Fire grand final sensation Shyla Heal, who will join her father after her stint in the WNBA.

Heal senior said he and Froling have had a longstanding history, having played alongside her father Shane at four Olympic Games for the Boomers. He said the talented forward represented everything about the culture he was seeking to implement at the club and the direction he hoped to lead them in.

“I’ve known Keely since she was born, and she brings the sort of character and mindset to the club that helps build success,” Heal said.

“She will play a leadership role for us and I’m confident she will take her game to another level this season.

“Keely was sought after by most teams during free agency in the WNBL, which is a testament to where she is headed in her career.

“Her toughness and skill set will become a huge strength for our team, and we are very excited to have her joining us in Sydney.”