The Senators took one big step towards addressing their height concerns for season 2010 with the signing of AIS graduate and former Australian Junior team member Michelle Joy.

At 185cm and only 19 years of age, Joy is the latest addition to Coach Vlad Alava’s squad and comes to the Senators after spending the last 18 months at the Australian Institute of Sport playing in the WNBL. The NSW junior was a member of the Australian U19 Gems team that competed in the William Jones Cup in 2008 as well as touring France in 2009.

Joy graduated from the AIS in November and sees the move West as a chance to progress and continue not only her development but also has her WNBL career with her sights on the Perth Lynx.

“I’m excited about the move to Perth as I feel it’s a great opportunity coming out of the AIS. By moving away from home, I can focus on my goal to progress to the senior WNBL team where I’ll be with players that will impact on my development as a player.”

Coach Vlad Alava was elated at Joy’s decision to move West.

“Michelle is a talented player who has spent a fair amount of time at the Nation’s Premier development pathway over in the AIS. She has represented Australia in fully-fledged international competition and brings experience at WNBL level as well. These are things that you don’t achieve unless you’re in the upper echelon of top athletes in the country."

"I think she will be a tremendous asset, not only to Stirling, but also inevitably with the Perth Lynx program down the track. She knows she needs to come in here and prove her worth and by electing to play in SBL and turning down numerous ABA and US College options she’s making that commitment.”

Alava, who has also been filling the role of Head Coach with the Perth Lynx since early November, admitted that had it not been for special league rules relating to AIS graduates mid-season, Joy would have joined the Perth Lynx this season.

“She is an exciting, athletic and talented commodity at the post position. She definitely comes with a big reputation but she’s the type of person that doesn’t roll on talk or achievement alone, she backs it up on the floor."

"To achieve what she has at such a young age, you need to be able to back up the hype, I’m confident she will do that not only in SBL but also WNBL for many years to come.”

Joy’s signing is right on the back of the Senators securing the signatures of guard Samantha Duff, former SA Metro forward Lola Curcic and ex-SEABL player Maria Harding, bringing a strong group of new recruits to Warwick Leisure Centre for a great year ahead.