Amanda Jones
19 May 2016: The University of Canberra Capitals have announced the first two signings for the upcoming 2016/17 WNBL season with US import and Adelaide Lightning forward Mikaela Ruef and SEQ Stars point guard Lauren Mansfield joining the club.
Both players have signed one-year deals, but new University of Canberra Capitals head coach Paul Goriss sees them as potential long-term recruits to the UC Capitals program.
"Mikaela brings an element of toughness and competitiveness to the game and her stats speak volumes, consistently averaging double figures in points scored and rebounds," Gorris said. "She is a perfect fit for our program both on and off the court."
The 192cm Stanford University graduate said she was excited to join the UC Capitals alongside Mansfield after previously suiting up for WNBL teams Adelaide Lightning and Sydney Uni Flames.
"I'm looking forward to being part of a new team, working with the girls and having a successful season," the 25-year-old, who was drafted to the WNBA team Seattle Storm in 2014, said.
"I've been in Australia for a few years now and this will be my third year in the WNBL. I enjoy the challenges of being part of a new team, and I'm hoping we'll do well, get used to playing with each other quickly and win as many games as possible."
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L-R: UC Capitals head coach Paul Goriss with new signings Lauren Mansfield and Mikaela Ruef. Photo: Amanda Jones
Mansfield, who was named in her first Australian Opals squad in February, but was sidelined due to injury, said the opportunity to improve her game was behind her move to the ACT.
"I'm looking forward to a fresh start in Canberra and I'm really excited to join a new look UC Capitals team. It's a good fit for me," she said. "It'll also be great to play alongside Mikaela in the WNBL — as a point guard it's important to know your players and their strengths," she said.
Goriss said: "Lauren's basketball IQ, work ethic and ability to play the pick and roll game is outstanding. She's always working on her game and is very professional in all aspects of her basketball. I'm looking forward to working with her."
Mansfield, 26, will also use the move to push for Opals selection again in addition to a WNBL championship with the UC Capitals.
"The ultimate goal is to represent Australia, improve my game in Canberra and win a championship," she said.
The pair, who currently play for Launceston in the SEABL, are in town ahead of tonight's round 7 clash with the Basketball Australia National Centre of Excellence (BA CoE) at the AIS.
They join Abbey Wehrung and Alice Coddington who remain on contract with the UC Capitals. Meanwhile, negotiations are continuing to secure the services of Australian Opals stars Marianna Tolo and Stephanie Talbot, with Goriss expected to announce more signings in the coming weeks.
"Recruiting the right players that will enhance our style of play and fit our system on and off the court is an important factor in building our roster," Goriss said.
The University of Canberra Capitals will play the 2016/17 season at their new home court, the Royal Theatre in Civic.
