COE & UTAH ALUMNI ISABEL PALMER TO JOIN UC CAPITALS

The UC Capitals are excited to announce Newcastle-born guard Isabel Palmer has committed to the club on a two-year contract pending WNBL approval.

Palmer is coming off a successful college career in the USA with Texas and Utah universities and is eager to take her game to new heights in Australia.

“Playing in the WNBL has always been a goal of mine, so I’m grateful to be back on home soil competing with and against some of the best players in the country.

“I’m expecting the physicality to be next level. The Aussie style is tough and competitive, so I think every game will be a battle and I’m really looking forward to it,” Palmer said.

Palmer has seen success as an Australian junior representative, winning gold medals at the Under-16 and Under-18 FIBA Asian Championships while also captaining her team to a bronze medal at the 2018 Under-17 World Cup.

She has previously spent time in Canberra at the Centre of Excellence and is looking forward to returning to the nation’s capital to step onto the WNBL court.

“I’d heard nothing but great things about the culture at the Caps from some of my former teammates, and having an existing relationship with Gorrie made the decision even easier. I also really enjoyed my time living in Canberra at the COE, so coming back to a familiar place just made sense to me,” Palmer said.

Caps Head Coach Paul Goriss praised Palmer for her versatility and eagerness to learn, describing her as a strong fit for the Caps program.

“Issy is a talented guard that is a versatile offensive threat with her 3-point shooting, is a great play maker for herself and others, and has the ability to get to the rim with her size.

“She is both a great worker and person and fits the kind of person we want at the Caps - selfless, team first, and a hard worker that wants to be coached, developed and is ready to play hard,” Goriss said.

Caps Executive General Manager Christy Collier-Hill is excited for Palmer to get her start in the league.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Issy to the Caps. Coming through the CoE, she’s an elite talent who already understands the Canberra landscape. Issy has enormous potential, and we’re really looking forward to supporting her and seeing her grow in her rookie WNBL season,” Collier-Hill said.

During her time in college Palmer consistently impressed on the court as well as off, earning multiple spots on Commissioner's Honor Rolls and gained a qualification as a trained history teacher.

Post-college career, Palmer is back home in Australia playing NBL1 North with the Sunshine Coast Phoenix, where she is averaging 17 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists in her debut season.

She is now ready to bring excitement and energy to AIS Arena and give fans plenty to cheer about this season.

“I love playing at a fast pace and getting out in transition. I love the 3-point shot and creating opportunities for my teammates. I just love the game, so every opportunity I get, I’ll compete hard, bring energy, and make the most of the experience,” she said.

Palmer joins Nyadiew Puoch, Isa Brancatisano, Sharne Robati, and Amy Atwell on the Caps WNBL27 roster.

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