Waves pick up Tomlinson
The West Coast Waves’ impressive off-season recruiting drive has continued with the signing of Australian centre Louella Tomlinson for the 2014-15 season.
Tomlinson won a WNBL championship with Dandenong in 2012 and has spent the past two seasons in Hungary, where she won a league title with Pinkk Pecs this year.
The 193cm centre returned to Australia after the Hungarian season to join Kilsyth in the SEABL, where she has averaged 19.3 points and 8.2 rebounds a game.
Tomlinson said she was looking forward to joining the Waves.
“They already seem really professional and organised, which I really like,” Tomlinson said.
“After winning the championship at Dandenong I played two seasons in Europe, but I’m ready to have a year closer to home.
“I can’t wait to get to Perth and begin preparing for the season ahead.”
Tomlinson spent her US college career at St Mary’s, where she left as the program’s all-time leading scorer.
She is also a solid defender and left St Mary’s with the record for most blocked shots in US college history (667).
Waves coach Kennedy Kereama said Tomlinson would be a perfect fit for the rebuilding team, which finished bottom of the ladder last year with just one win.
“Lou brings some much needed height and interior presence to the team,” Kereama said.
“Lou has just come off a great season in Hungry with a championship, it seems to be becoming a habit for teams she is involved with.
“Watching Lou’s game tape from overseas you can see she has really developed and worked hard on her offensive skills sets since she was last in the WNBL.”
Tomlinson joins import pair Lindsey Moore and Cassie Harberts, guard Sarah Graham and returning Waves players Deanna Smith, Toni Edmondson and Darcee Garbin on the roster this year.
ENDS
