21 August 2018: The University of Canberra Capitals has signed American Kaili McLaren on a short-term contract for part of the 2018-19 WNBL season.
McLaren has been brought in as injury cover for Marianna Tolo, who will miss the start of the campaign as she continues to recover from injury.
McLaren made a name for herself during her time playing for the University of Connecticut (UConn) in the NCAA Division I. She was part of the UConn side that went undefeated in the 2008-09 and 2009-10 campaigns.
The 30-year-old was most recently playing for Bornova Becker in Turkey. She has previously faced off against Tolo in Europe and has an existing relationship with another new teammate in Kelsey Griffin, who she played against in college.
McLaren said she was excited her old foes would become new teammates.
“I can’t wait to get to Canberra and link up with the team,” McLaren said. “I’ve never played in Australia and it’s always been a goal of mine to try myself in the WNBL.
“The opportunity to train and play alongside Marianna and Kelsey is exciting. I only know them as the opposition, but I’m eager to play with and learn from them as teammates.”
UC Capitals head coach Paul Goriss said McLaren would play a big offensive role for the side.
“Kaili is a great passer of the ball and has a high basketball IQ,” Goriss said. “She will bring with her a wealth of experience having played in big games at UConn and in Europe.
“She’ll be a key player for us up front in the early part of the season. We look forward to having Kaili join us.”
McLaren’s contract runs until the start of December.