23 March 2018: Olympian and international star Leilani Mitchell will add another chapter to her WNBL story in 2018/19 after signing with the University of Canberra Capitals.
In a major coup for the club, Mitchell has signed a one-year contract to play out the next stage of her decorated career in the nation’s capital.
The 32-year-old point guard is currently plying her trade in Europe, where she is averaging 13 points and four assists a game for Turkish club Hatay.
Mitchell will look to carry that form into North America’s WNBA season, starting in May, which she’ll contest with Phoenix Mercury before joining her new teammates in Canberra later this year.
“I love Australia and the WNBL and I’m so happy to have the chance to return and be a part of the University of Canberra Capitals in 2018/19,” Mitchell said.
“The opportunity to come to Canberra was too good to pass up. I’ve heard great things about the UC Capitals and I was really attracted to the idea of being able to grow my game in a new environment.
“The UC Capitals boast a proud history and now I have the chance to contribute to and be a part of that.”
Mitchell last played in the WNBL in 2016/17. She guided the Sydney Uni Flames to a drought-breaking title win – the club’s first in 16 years – and was named the Most Valuable Player of the finals series.
Prior to her success with the Flames, she played for the Dandenong Rangers (2013/14) and Adelaide Lightning (2015/16). She was named a WNBL All Star Five player in 2014, 2016, and 2017.
The move down under ignited her international career. She was selected in the Australian Opals squad that won bronze at the 2014 FIBA World Championships. In 2016, she led the Opals to the quarter-finals at the Rio Olympics.
UC Capitals head coach Paul Goriss said Mitchell oozed talent and experience and would have a significant impact at the club.
“We have recruited a genuine clutch player in Leilani Mitchell,” Goriss said. “She has proven all over the world that she can make big shots and big plays.
“Leilani has an extremely high basketball IQ and will contribute greatly to the fabric of our team in 2018/19. She goes about her basketball and the game with such ease and professionalism.
“Leilani is a leader on court and makes players around her better. She is a great competitor and a real team player, which fits with the type of squad we are putting together this season.”
Mitchell played college ball at the University of Idaho and the University of Utah before securing her first professional contract in 2008 with the WNBA’s New York Liberty. She has also played in France (Arras) and Croatia (Novi Zagreb).
Contact the University of Canberra media team:
Antony Perry: 0434 795 919
Claudia Doman: 0408 826 362