Geelong Venom have signed WNBA forward Alissa Pili for the upcoming WNBL26 season.

The 24-year-old had an impressive collegiate career, playing five seasons across Southern California and Utah – where she was teammates with Bendigo Spirit signing Kelsey Rees.

Pili dominated the Pac-12 Conference, being named the Women’s Basketball Player of the Year in the 2022-23 season, was named to the Conference’s First Team three times (2019-20, 22-23 and 23-24) and was selected to the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball All-Americans Second Teams and 2024 Third Teams.

CLICK HERE FOR HOW TO WATCH THE WNBL26 SEASON.

In her final season, she averaged 21.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists and shot over 40 percent from the arc.

The 5’11” forward from Alaska is now in her second season in the WNBA, being drafted by the Minnesota Lynx with the eighth overall pick in 2024. In her rookie season, Pili won the Commissioner’s Cup Championship playing alongside Australian Alanna Smith.

Pili was waived by the Lynx earlier this season and then quickly picked up by the Los Angeles Sparks, where she has signed for the remainder of the season.

“I’m super excited to be playing in Geelong this season. I’ve heard incredible things about the team’s culture and coaching staff, and I feel like I’ll fit perfectly with their style of play. I lead by example, I push and encourage my teammates, and I’ll do whatever it takes to win—that’s what I’m bringing to the Venom,” she said.

“Geelong fans can expect someone who’s steady, consistent and full of energy. I love getting excited for my teammates, I can stretch the floor, and I’m really looking forward to getting to work, meeting the team and stacking up the wins.”

While Geelong coach Chris Lucas added that this has been a two-year journey to finally land the Alsakans’ signature.

“She’s an elite scorer both from the perimeter and the post, she has incredible offensive footwork, and she just thrives under pressure,” he said.

“She’s dynamic, versatile, and exactly the type of player who can help take this team forward.”

Pili joins Elissa Brett, Taylor Mole, Gemma Potter, Alex Sharp, Jazmin Shelley, Shyla Heal, Mackenzie Clinch Hoycard and Lilly Rotunno on the Venom’s WNBL26 roster.

Geelong’s season starts on October 18th against the Sydney Flames. See the full WNBL fixture here.