Two recent Centre of Excellence (CoE) Women’s program graduates have been locked in to play in the WNBL this Summer, before jetting off to the USA in 2022. CoE alumni Chyra Evans and Katie Deeble are set to make their WNBL debuts over the 2021/22 season after they both signed on to round out the Sydney Uni Flames playing roster. Coming off their two-year scholarship programs, Evans and Deeble have kept busy. Both players contributed to the Gems’ silver medal 2021 FIBA U19 World Cup campaign in Hungary in August and upon return, have relocated from Canberra to Sydney and have delved straight into WNBL preseason training. https://twitter.com/BasketballAus/status/1427032186394320902?s=20 Both Deeble and Evans will continue their basketball journeys in the USA once the WNBL season has concluded in April next year. Deeble will relocate to North Carolina to join the Wake Forest Women’s Basketball Team while Evans recently signed on with the University of Michigan. CoE Women’s Head Coach, Kristen Veal has watched the girls grow immensely over the past two years. “The improvement and growth Katie and Chyra have shown over their two years on scholarship has led to high interest from multiple WNBL clubs, and it’s incredibly exciting that they’ve both landed at the Sydney Uni Flames.” Veal told BA Media. “We are incredibly proud of these two young athletes and have no doubt they will continue to endear their teammates and earn the respect of coaches and opposition, as they look to make their mark in the WNBL and College environments post the Centre of Excellence.” Reflecting on their time at the CoE, Deeble and Evans both expressed their gratitude. “I am extremely grateful to have been given the opportunity to train and continue to develop as a player at the Centre of Excellence.” Deeble said. “My two years here have helped prepare me for my future and what is planned ahead.” “To say I’m grateful is an understatement. My time at the CoE has been great, I’ve had the opportunity to grow, not only as a player but as a person. The Coaches and Girls here have helped me prepare for my next chapter, which I am very excited for.” Evans told BA Media. The WNBL season tips off on December 4, while the Flames will launch their 21/22 campaign on the 5th. https://twitter.com/SydUniFlames/status/1421296149919539202?s=20
