Bendigo Spirit is excited to announce the re-signing of Australian Opal and five-time Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) champion, Marianna Tolo, for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
At 36, Tolo is a three-time Olympian with a resume that precedes her, including a bronze medal from the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, two World Championship bronze medals, multiple contracts playing overseas, and five WNBL titles - four with the Canberra Capitals, and one with the Spirit.
Tolo was a standout force for the Spirit throughout their triumphant 2024-25 Championship-winning season. The veteran centre brought leadership, consistency and elite-level defence to the court, anchoring the Spirit's front line with her trademark poise and physicality. Tolo's performances were particularly dominant in key matchups, including Round 6 against Perth Lynx, where she delivered a commanding display of shot-blocking and rebounding. Her experience and composure proved invaluable during the finals series, helping Bendigo secure the title in a hard-fought Grand Final against Townsville Fire.
Tolo said she was excited to re-sign and continue to build on what the Spirit had started last season.
"I'm thrilled to be continuing with the Spirit for another season," she said. "Last year's Championship was so special - from the journey we went on as a team to reaching that ultimate goal of winning the Championship - so I am proud to be part of a group that is building and keen to chase more success this season."
Spirit General Manager, Dan Jackson, shared his enthusiasm on Tolo's re-signing.
"Re-signing Marianna is huge for our club. Her leadership, professionalism and experience were pivotal to our success last season. She sets the standard and now that she has been at the club for a year, we have a strong foundation to build on."
Tolo joins Isobel Borlase, Kelsey Griffin, Olivia Pollerd, Kelsey Rees, Casey Samuels and Abbey Wehrung as players announced on the Spirit roster for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
Words by Grace Boyd
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