The SmartSkill North Gold Coast Seahawks Women’s NBL1 North team will see a familiar face return to the Nest, with QSL 2021 MVP Courtney Willemse signing on for another season.
Having a breakout season in 2021 after returning from ACL surgery, Willemse is excited to test herself against the best in the state, joining best friend Erin Riley for a shot at another title as a part of the Seahawks.
Willemse carried the scoring load for the undefeated and Champion Seahawks side last season, and is looking to carry on that form in 2022.
“This past QSL season was an awesome experience for me” said Willemse.
“After coming off my ACL surgery, I was just keen to keep playing and when Brad (Kann) made the call to come play, I just saw it as a fantastic opportunity to get back on the floor”
“To be named Most Valuable Player of the competition was a huge reward after only making my way back into this year”
“Now to be able to have the opportunity to play within the NBL1 North competition, really gives me the chance to play against current and former WNBL players, and some of the best players in the country, which I am incredibly excited about”
“I can’t wait to get back to the Gold Coast in 2022 and get into pre-season with the group”
Head Coach for the SmartSkill Seahawks Women, Brad Kann, is pumped to get the MVP back into the group.
“Courtney showed tremendous resilience last season, with her not only moving away from home for the first time, but returning from a serious knee injury” said Kann.
“To then be named the MVP of the QSL competition is a true reflection on the amount of work Courtney put into her game when she got here”
“Her ability to be able to shoot the ball at a high level is going to be something other teams will need to scout her on, and I truly believe she can be one of the best shooters in the NBL1 comp”
“I’m excited that she has signed back on with us for our first season in the NBL1 competition and to see how her game can transition into at this level”