The Tasmania Jewels have signed New Zealand-born centre Ella Tofeaono for their inaugural WNBL season.
The 28-year-old, who is of Samoan heritage, describes her physicality as her “superpower”.
“It might be the Polynesian side of me, I am a bit of an enforcer on the court,” Tofeaono said.
“I take pride in my strength and my strength is my superpower.”
The six-foot-three centre has represented New Zealand with the Tall Ferns.
She previously played in the WNBL for the Townsville Fire, Canberra Capitals and Adelaide Lightning and also played college basketball in Texas.
Tofeaono said she was also focused on becoming part of the local community.
“Off the court, I’m all about community and connection. I’m big on people first, athletes second,” she said.
Jewels coach Claudia Brassard, who first coached against Tofeaono in the 2023-24 WNBL season, said she would add toughness and leadership to the club.
“Ella brings a real physical presence to our frontcourt,” Brassard said.
“She competes every possession, rebounds the ball at both ends and gives us the toughness and interior presence every successful team needs.”
The signing is still subject to league approval.
Her arrival leaves the Jewels with two roster spots and two import spots to fill before their first season.
The club opens its campaign against the Geelong Venom at Hobart’s MyState Bank Arena on October 15.
