Amanda Jones
16 June 2016: The University of Canberra Capitals have added experience and stability to the roster for the upcoming WNBL season re-signing veteran guard Carly Wilson on a one-year deal.
This will be Wilson's eighth season with the University of Canberra Capitals having joined the club in 2009 and her 17th in the WNBL.
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Carly Wilson has signed on for her eighth season with the UC Capitals. Photo: Kim Pham
Wilson said securing Paul Goriss as head coach and a desire to finish the game on her terms made signing with the UC Capitals an easy decision.
"He's exactly what the club and the league needs to refresh and move forward. I've known Goriss since I was 16 playing for the AIS and I'm certain he's the right person for the job," she said.
"I've been part of the team for a long time now and I want to help get the University of Canberra Capitals back on track after a pretty tough season. I'm excited to see the team start to come together with the recent additions of Lauren Mansfield, Mikaela Ruef and Keely Froling — it's an injection of youth and talent that we really need."
A veteran at 33 years old, Wilson said she hasn't set a date yet on when she might wind up her playing career, with this season to be the first without WNBL games record holder Jess Bibby.
"I know you should never say never, but if this season goes the way we want it to, it's enjoyable and I can help get the team back on its feet, then it will be my last," she said.
University of Canberra Capitals head coach Paul Goriss said signing Wilson for the upcoming season was integral to his recruiting strategy.
"Carly is a natural leader and her attitude, personality, leadership and her ability to bring a team together are real strengths. She has been through the highs and lows with the club and her resilience and toughness will help our group.
"She is still a huge part of the UC Capitals on and off the court. Having Carly is like having another coach on the team, her contribution to the club is invaluable," he added.
Wilson started her WNBL career with the Dandenong Rangers in 1998 at age 15. She also played for the AIS, Perth Lynx and the French team Challes-les-Eaux. She won a gold medal with the Opals at the 2006 Commonwealth Games and has been a member of the Olympic qualifying team four times.
