The Adelaide Lightning are proud to announce that up-and-coming star Aspen Crase has committed to the club for the 2026/27 season pending final league review and approval.
Aspen, who was a part of the 2025 Centre of Excellence women’s program, represented Australia with the Sapphires, playing a key role to bringing home the 2025 FIBA U17 Women’s Oceania Cup in Samoa last year.
General Manager of Basketball, Tess Madgen spoke of Aspen’s energy and excitement on both ends of the floor.
“Aspen brings an exciting skillset and style of play to our program which was on display when her team won gold at the Under 20 Nationals. She’s making a significant impact in NBL1 with the Centre of Excellence where her energy, intensity and competitiveness lifting those around her.”
“We can’t wait to bring her energy back to Adelaide where we know her journey will inspire young South Australian girls aspiring to follow a similar pathway,” Madgen said.
Head Coach of the Adelaide Lightning, Aja Parham-Ammar said: "Aspen possesses a level of maturity that is rare for such a young player, matched only by her exceptional work ethic.”
“She has achieved a lot in her young career, showing that she's ready to immerse herself in a professional environment that challenges her to train and compete daily against some of the best talent in Australia. We are confident that her game will be elevated and her development accelerated."
Aspen is looking forward to representing the Lightning and her home during her first WNBL season and connecting with the next generation of athletes.
“It means everything to me to get the chance to wear the jersey of a team I grew up watching. I am looking forward to playing with some of the best players in the country, pushing myself every day to get better and getting the privilege to grow under the guidance of Coach Aja, GM Tess Madgen and the Lightning community.”
“Growing up as a local SA junior, giving back and helping inspire the next generation of young girls is really important to me. Community is such a big part of basketball, and it’s exciting to be a part of the continued growth of women’s sport and basketball in Adelaide and around the world.”
Media Contact
Adelaide Haynes
media@adelaidelightning.com
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