Adelaide Lightning have confirmed the signing of centre Ella Tofaeono for the upcoming WNBL season.
Tofaeono, who was born in Aotearoa/New Zealand and raised in Western Sydney, brings Samoan heritage and international experience to the side.
She said joining the Lightning marked a key moment in her career.
"I'm so excited to join the Adelaide Lightning," she said.
"Playing alongside Sharne and with Coach Kerryn Mitchell was a truly special moment and a career highlight to date.
"Bringing this NZ pride to Adelaide and the WNBL is truly a privilege."
The 6'3" centre previously spent time as a development player with Townsville Fire during the 2023/24 season and was later part of the UC Capitals in 2024/25.
Tofaeono developed her game in the United States, first at Midland College where she was named to the NJCAA Div 1 All-American third team, before moving on to play NCAA Division 1 basketball with Texas A\&M and Texas Tech.
She said those early opportunities helped shape her.
"Playing in the States at such a young age made me the player I am today," she said.
"I said yes to the opportunities that came along, I worked hard, trained harder and it was such an incredible experience playing abroad."
Earlier this year, Tofaeono played under Lightning Head Coach Kerryn Mitchell and alongside teammate Sharne Robati as part of the Tall Ferns squad for the Trans-Tasman Throwdown.
"Coming back to Australia, playing in the WNBL and representing my country has reignited my passion for professional basketball," she said.
"I'm proud to be a leader in my community and bring this passion and excitement to Adelaide and create something special together as a team."
Coach Mitchell said Tofaeono brought strength and energy both on and off the court.
"We're thrilled to have Tofaeono on the team," she said.
"Working with her as part of the Tall Ferns campaign was an absolute pleasure. She's strong, she's resilient and she brings a great energy to everything she does.
"I was incredibly proud watching her shine representing New Zealand and I'm keen to see her bring that energy to the court here to make Adelaide and South Australia proud too."
Adelaide Lightning Memberships for the 2025/26 season will be available soon.
