Australian basketball player
Lara Gweneth McSpadden (born 2 April 1999) is an Australian professional basketball player.
Early life
McSpadden was born in Penrith, New South Wales .[ 1]
Professional career
WNBL
McSpadden began her professional career with the Sydney Uni Flames in the 2016–17 WNBL season .[ 2] 2019–20 WNBL season .[ 3]
McSpadden joined the Townsville Fire for the 2020 WNBL Hub season in Queensland . She continued on with the Fire in 2021–22 and 2022–23 .[ 3]
For the 2023–24 WNBL season , McSpadden returned to the Sydney Flames.[ 3]
State Leagues
In 2015, McSpadden played for the Newcastle Hunters in the Waratah League . In 2016, she played for the BA Centre of Excellence in the South East Australian Basketball League (SEABL). In 2017 and 2018, she played for the Sydney Sparks in the SEABL. She returned to the Hunters for the 2019 Waratah League season and continued with Newcastle in 2020.[ 3]
In 2021, McSpadden joined the Rockhampton Cyclones of the NBL1 North . She continued with the Cyclones in 2022, 2023 and 2024.[ 3]
New Zealand league
In 2024, McSpadden helped the Tauranga Whai win the Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa championship.[ 4]
National team career
McSpadden made her international debut at the 2015 FIBA Oceania Under-16 Championship for Women in New Zealand with the U17 Sapphires , where she helped them qualify for the world championship the following year. At the world championship, the Sapphires won their inaugural title in Spain . After snapping team USA's 28-game win streak at U17 level, Australia went on to take home Gold.[ 5]
McSpadden went on to represent Australia at the 2017 FIBA Under-19 Women's Basketball World Cup and the 2019 World University Games.[ 3]
References
