28
Jul
Breaking News
Concussion: Spirit centre Hannan out for year
Bendigo Spirit centre Ashlee Hannah (in blue) has decided to take a year off basketball after multiple concussions. Photo: Lawrence Surgers
24-year-old Ashlee Hannan out for 2025-26 WNBL season after suffering multiple concussions
- Listed: All 92 games of the 2025-26 WNBL season
- Super 6: Biggest must-see games of WNBL26
- 2025-26 WNBL Team Lists and Roster Tracker
WNBL champion Ashlee Hannan, 24, will miss the entire 2025-26 Bendigo Spirit championship defence after consulting doctors about the multiple concussions she endured in WNBL25.
“Last season was obviously a tough year for Ash personally, with the concussions and subsequent symptoms she experienced, and our number one priority was and always will be for her well-being," Bendigo Spirit general manager Dan Jackson said.
“We are proud of her for making what has likely been a difficult decision, and will continue to support her in whatever way she needs, particularly as she remains here in Bendigo.
“She will always be a member of the Bendigo Sprit family and a WNBL Champion with the Spirit, and we are thrilled that she got to be a part of this epic chapter in the club’s history in 2024-25.”
Bendigo said in a statement, the 6'4" (192cm) big told the Victorian club she would take a year off from basketball after suffering multiple concussions.
"In consultation with medical professionals, Hannan has made this decision primarily for the benefit of her long-term well-being, but also to hopefully extend her elite basketball career," the statement said.
"The club was incredibly supportive of Hannan’s decision."
Hannan joined the Spirit last season from Perth Lynx and was full off optimism at the start of the campaign.
“I am really excited to have the opportunity to develop my game working with Kennedy and being pushed to improve by the demands of training day in, day out with two of the best bigs the WNBL has ever had,” she said at the time.
Spirit head coach Kennedy Kereama was equally buoyed by Hannah's recruitment.
“Ash has shown remarkable improvement in her game over the past two seasons in the WNBL,” Kereama said.
“She possesses a unique blend of skill and athleticism that will greatly benefit our program. With her proficiency in perimeter shooting, rebounding, and running the floor, Ash will be a valuable asset.
“Having dedicated her off-season to training and playing in Albury-Wodonga under the mentorship of LJ (Lauren Jackson) and receiving exceptional coaching, I believe she is ready to excel in the upcoming WNBL season.”
.jpg)
.avif)
