The University of Sunshine Coast Basketball Club have signed Canberra Capitals forward Alex Delaney and former St Mary’s guard Jasmine Forcadilla for the NBL1 North season.
Rip City women’s coach Jamie Glover said he was delighted to attract WNBL-calibre talent to the Sunshine Coast and was confident of building a deep squad for the inaugural NBL1 North season.
Delaney and Forcadilla join local favourites Meghan Ditchburn, Liisa Ups, Layla Prince and Ashleigh Blake in the squad.
Delaney, who won the WNBL title with the Capitals in 2019-20 season, has played three seasons in the WNBL after a four-year stint in the US collegiate system playing for St. Francis Brooklyn.
“I’m super excited about playing on the Coast for this upcoming season,” Delaney said.
“I think the NBL1 North league is a great league with some really talented players. I’m excited to work with coach Jamie and have the opportunity to take full advantage of the amazing facilities at USC.”
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“I can’t wait to finally be able to call Liisa Ups a teammate again, who I have played with and against since under 12s.
“She’s a great player and even better person so I’m very excited to play with her. I’m also very excited to play with Jasmine Forcadilla, who is a very talented player and awesome chick.”
Forcadilla, who played four years in America for St. Mary’s Gaels before returning home to Central Coast Crusaders last year, hopes the NBL1 is a stepping stone to the WNBL.
“When Jamie first reached out to me, he asked me ‘what would be three main points that you want to get out of the season from me and the team?.’
“I told him it would be development, exposure and enjoyment,” Forcadilla said.
“I believe that Rip City is the perfect environment for me to improve my skills.
“Jamie’s vision for the season ahead complemented by the team he’s built around it is an ideal situation for me.
“My hometown, Terrigal, is also on the coast so it’s a major bonus to be located near the ocean.”
