Kelsey Griffin exudes the enthusiasm of an international débutante, but unlike other newcomers, she boasts of a long and distinguished professional basketball career. The U.S.-born player spent five seasons with WNBA team Connecticut Sun, and even made it to the WNBA All-Rookie Team in 2010-11.
Before shining bright in the elite league, Kelsey established herself as a top prospect during her stint with Nebraska University. This led to her being picked in the 2010 WNBA draft.
A spell with Australian club Bendigo Spirit in 2012 changed the course of her life. She fell in love with the country, so much so that she “felt more at home than anywhere else”.
In 2015, after years of shuttling between Australia and USA, Kelsey was granted Australian citizenship. “The longer I stayed and played in Australia, the more I got to know the people and the culture. I felt that this was where I was meant to be,” Kelsey says.
The FIBA Asia women’s cup marks her international debut. “It’s an amazing honour to put on the green and gold jersey,” she says.
