Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC Every week we bring you a list of the top former Gaels players who continue their career in pro basketball.
#1. In a recent British Women's Super League Basketball game, the talented champion player from New Zealand, Amy West, who stands at 6'4'' and is 26 years old, made a significant impact for her team, Oaklands Wolves. Despite scoring only 2 points in 7 minutes on the court, her contribution proved crucial as Oaklands Wolves secured a hard-fought 72-68 victory against the Eagles, a closely-ranked opponent with an 11-7 record. Graduating from SMC in 2023, West plays professionally in the United Kingdom and has made a remarkable debut season with Oaklands Wolves, currently positioned fourth in the league with a record of 13-5. In a recent game against Newcastle Eagles, West's performance was pivotal to her team's success, as she not only scored 2 points but also contributed 1 rebound and 1 assist. Her display of skill and determination exemplified her qualities as a finalist player, playing a key role in leading her team to victory. Throughout the season, West has been averaging 1.7 points per game and 2.0 rebounds per game, showcasing consistency and dedication to her team's success. With her valuable contributions on the court, Amy West has proven herself to be a vital asset to Oaklands Wolves, demonstrating the qualities of a true champion player.
#2. Australian champion Hannah Rapp, standing at 5'10'' and a Broncos alumna from 2025, showcased her skills on the court for the Waverley Falcons in the Australian NBL One North. In a recent game, she played a crucial role in leading her team to a decisive 73-61 victory over the 16th-ranked Rangers with a 2-point contribution in just 16 minutes of play. Despite her modest scoring output in that particular game, Rapp's overall impact goes beyond the stat sheet. Her performance against the Dandenong Rangers, where she scored 2 points, grabbed 1 rebound, and dished out 2 assists, proved instrumental in securing the win for her team, solidifying her status as a finalist. Currently, the Waverley Falcons hold the tenth spot in the South group with a 4-3 record. As the season progresses, there is still ample opportunity for the team to climb the rankings and make a statement in the league. Rapp's consistent contributions throughout the season, averaging 7.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, highlight her versatility and value to her team's success.
#3. New Zealand's Tayla Dalton, a 24-year-old guard standing at 5'9'' who graduated from Gonzaga in 2025 but played for SMC between 2020 and 2024, currently plays professionally in Australia. In a recent Australian NBL One North game, she teamed up with her colleague Hannah Rapp, showcasing their chemistry on the court. Dalton's stellar performance was instrumental in leading the Waverley Falcons to a decisive 73-61 victory over the 16th-ranked Rangers, who held a 2-6 record. During the game, Dalton showcased her skills by contributing 8 points, 3 assists, and 3 steals in 31 minutes of play. She continued her impressive form in the match against Dandenong R., where she recorded 8 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. Her exceptional display on the court significantly influenced her team's success, culminating in them being crowned as the champion of the game. Throughout the season, Dalton has maintained solid statistics with an average of 11.0 points per game, 5.0 rebounds per game, 3.6 assists per game, and 2.4 steals per game, demonstrating her consistent impact on the team's performance.
#4. New Zealand's Jade Kirisome, a 26-year-old guard/forward standing at 5'9'' and an alumna of Gaels from 2023, currently plays professionally in Australia. Unfortunately, despite her standout performance, the 11th-placed Hills Hornets (2-4) were unable to secure a win in their recent game last Saturday. The team suffered a tough 75-51 loss on the road against the top-ranked North Bears in the East group. Kirisome showcased her skills by leading her team in scoring with 15 points in 28 minutes of play against the North Bears. She also contributed 3 rebounds and 2 assists during the game. Her individual performance was notable, but it was not enough to lead her team to victory. Throughout the season, Kirisome has maintained solid statistics, averaging 13.7 points, 1.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. It is interesting to note that she holds dual American and New Zealand citizenship, allowing her the flexibility to play in New Zealand as a domestic player.
#5. Australian Leia Hanafin, a 5'11'' guard who graduated from SMC in 2024 and currently plays professionally in Australia, recently faced a challenging match against the Frankston Blues in the Australian NBL One North second division. Unfortunately, Hanafin's efforts were not enough to lead her team, the Nunawading Spectres, to a victory over the Frankston Blues. Despite her best efforts, Hanafin's performance in the game was not one of her strongest showings. She managed to score only 3 points in 15 minutes of play. The Nunawading Spectres, currently in 12th place with a 4-5 record, suffered a defeat at the hands of the Frankston Blues, who are ranked 6th in the South group. This loss marked the fifth consecutive defeat for the Nunawading Spectres. In a positive light, Hanafin did display a commendable performance against the Frankston Blues, contributing 3 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist. However, despite her individual efforts, the team was unable to secure a win in the game. Throughout the season, Hanafin has maintained an average of 1.1 points per game, along with 2.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. Despite the recent challenges faced by her team, Hanafin continues to demonstrate her skills and determination on the court.
#6. Kennedy Johnson, a 5'11'' guard and Gaels alumna from the class of 2025, received the prestigious All-WCC Newcomer of the Year award in her debut year. Currently playing professionally in Australia, she is a teammate of the aforementioned Jade Kirisome. The duo recently showcased their skills together in the latest Australian NBL One North game. Unfortunately, Johnson was unable to lift the Hills Hornets (2-4) in their recent match last Saturday. Despite her commendable performance, the 11th-placed Hills Hornets suffered a crushing 75-51 defeat at the hands of the table-topping North Bears in Crows Nest in the East group. Johnson emerged as the second-highest scorer for her team, contributing 10 points along with 6 rebounds in 27 minutes of play. In a standout display against Norths Bears, she showcased her all-around game by scoring 10 points, securing 6 rebounds, and distributing 2 assists. Even in the face of defeat, Johnson exhibited the qualities of a true champion. Throughout the season, Johnson has maintained solid statistics, averaging 12.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game, showcasing her versatility and impact on the court.
Other former Saint Mary's College of California players, who play in pro basketball:
Devon Brookshire (6'3''-C-1994, played in 2014-14) plays for Oaklands Wolves in British WSLB
Carly Turner (6'0''-G-1995, played in 2015-17) played for Diamond Valley Eagles in Australian NBL One few monts ago
Lauren Nicholson (5'11''-G-1993, played in 2012-16) plays for Sutherland Sharks in Australian NBL One
Kate Gaze-Searle (5'8''-G-1990, played in 2010-14) plays for Townsville Flames in Australian NBL One
Megan McKay (6'5''-F/C-1997, played in 2015-19) played for Perry Lakes Hawks in Australian NBL One last year
Samantha Simons (6'2''-G/F-2000, played in 2017-20) plays for Forestville Eagles in Australian NBL One
Stella Beck (6'0''-G-1995, played in 2014-18) played for Tokomanawa Queens in New Zealand Tauihi Basketball Aoteroa last year
Jasmine Forcadilla (5'8''-G-1997, played in 2015-15) played for Central Coast Crusaders in Australian NBL One last year
Madeline Holland (5'11''-F, played in 2017-22) plays for Western Port Steelers in Australian Big V
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of Saint Mary's College of California basketball alumni.
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Ex-Players
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