Manchester Basketball recruit Australian forward Bride Kennedy-Hopoate to become the first women’s signing in franchise history.

Kennedy-Hopoate holds an impressive CV having played in her native Australia for Nunawading Spectres last time out.

New Mexico graduate, Bride, spent time at Northwest Florida, Hutchinson Community College where she averaged 11.9 points and a team-high 5.9 rebounds per game in just 19.1 minutes of action.

She was named an NJCAA third-team All-American during the 2016-17 season, rated the No.1 JUCO prospect from All Star Girls Report. She started her NCAA career with Iowa State before transferring to New Mexico to complete her studies.

“I’m extremely grateful & excited to be a part of Manchester’s upcoming season,” reflected Kennedy-Hopoate.

“With the amount of talent we have coming in along with our coaching staff, we expect great things to happen this year.”

Bride represented the Matildas U17 team that won gold in the Oceania Championships, and was selected to play at the U17 World Championships.

Kennedy-Hopoate will be in action for Manchester Basketball in their first home game of the season versus Nottingham on 12 October at 2pm at Platt Lane.