Perth Lynx have pulled off a remarkable signing in their pursuit of a first championship since 1992, with superstar Sami Whitcomb returning to the club on a two-year contract.
Homecoming for Perth's Favourite Daughter
Whitcomb, who rose from the Rockingham Flames to the WNBL and then to the WNBA, will return to Perth for the first time since the 2022-23 season. The naturalised Australian, born and raised in California, is currently starring for the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA.
Her resume is nothing short of extraordinary. Whitcomb is a dual WNBA champion with the Seattle Storm, a WNBL champion, league MVP, and grand final MVP with Bendigo. She has also captained the Australian Opals, won an Olympic bronze medal, and claimed World Cup silver and bronze medals.
After playing in Europe last summer, she now has the chance to return to the club that launched her career and help lift the Lynx to their first title since 1992.
Family Ties Bring Her Home
Whitcomb's wife and children have primarily remained based in Perth while she plays around the world. The pull of home was so strong that she even played two games for Rockingham in NBL1 West during April.
“Committing to the Lynx and being based in Perth, with my family around me, is a dream scenario,” Whitcomb said. “It’s great to come home and join a club that I know has such a rich history, strong culture and plays really exciting basketball.
“Our roster for next season is shaping up to be really exciting, and I’m excited to link up with Ryan and the team when I get back from my time with the Mercury in the WNBA and get stuck in.”
Bolstering the Roster
Whitcomb has been joined by Lynx captain Anneli Maley at the Mercury for this season. Her arrival will help offset the departures of star pair Ally Wilson and Amy Atwell. Perth have also recently signed Alex Ciabattoni and Nya Lok.
Lynx General Manager Chris Earl said having Whitcomb back in Perth was enormous for the club.
“Sami is one of the most accomplished players in women’s basketball, so to add someone of her calibre and with her basketball IQ to the roster is a real coup for us,” Earl said.
“Her winning pedigree across multiple leagues, her experience with the Opals, and her ties to Perth make her return hugely exciting for our program and fans, and we can’t wait to see her back out on the WNBL stage in a Lynx jersey again.”
Perth finished runner-up in last season’s grand final, continuing a heartbreaking run of finals losses in recent seasons.
