It must be hard to be a trail blazer. To be the brave person willing to step foot onto unchartered lands, not knowing what consequences your expedition will have.

In 1997 Michell Timms was that trail blazer. She dared to go where no Australian woman had. In 1997 Timms became the first Australian to play in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). She would play five seasons over there and begin the rise of Australian women venturing to the American frontier.

Timms may not be the most well-known Australian basketballer, but her journey would have inspired the youth of the time. Perhaps the person who would inspire others further would be the lady who arrived four years later. In 2001, the 14th Australian arrived at the American shores, and not only did they arrive, but they dominated in a foreign land. It is Lauren Jackson‘s dominance that is the most likely reason we have so many Australian athletes forging careers in American waters.

It is not a coincidence that 24 years ago Lauren Jackson started in the WNBA and now in the 2025 season a young 24-year-old in Georgia Amoore would be the latest Australian draft pick in America. Parents showing basketball to babies is just good practice.

Thanks to these trail blazers and many others, this season of the WNBA looks to be an exciting one with a large Aussie contingent ready to leave their mark. With training camp beginning on the 27th of April, the 2025 season will feature 13 Australian players and some coaches. There are stories right throughout the WNBA and many involve our own Australian contingent.

Sandy Brondello, the current Australian Opals coach, is looking to go back-to-back as she coaches New York Liberty.

New franchise Golden State Valkyries makes its debut this year with two Australians on the team: Stephanie Talbot and Chloe Bibby. Talbot has been in the WNBA since 2017 and been around the Australian team since 2015.

Alanna Smith had a great season last year, averaging over 10 points and over five rebounds a game. Smith was also named in the All-Star 5 at the Paris Olympics, scoring a double-double in the bronze medal match. She will be looking for continued success with the Minnesota Lynx, who will be looking to go one better than their championship loss last season.

Alanna, whose numbers dropped in the playoffs, will be looking for an improved post season personally should they make it again.

Ezi Magbegor is looking to continue her quality form from the 2024 season. Playing for the Seattle Storm, Magbegor averaged over 11 points and eight rebounds a game last season.

Finally, our young talent are looking for opportunities to showcase their skills. The likes of Jade Melbourne (22), Amy Atwell (26), Nyadiew Puoch (20), Isobel Borlase (20) and Shaneice Swan (20) all highlight that basketball is in good hands as the next generation come through.

(Though Puoch and Borlase look to be the Opals focus point as they take on New Zealand in May, suggesting they may miss time in the WNBA.)

This season is set to be another quality season. Move over Angel Reese and Caitlin Clarke rivalry. Step aside fierce competition between Paige Bueckers (this year’s No.1 draft pick) and Caitlin Clarke. The Aussies are here this season, waiting to showcase to the world that Australian basketball is a force to be reckoned with.