New MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League team Athleta have begun their preparations for their debut and have signed former Fusion Quest player Nicole Vella, Malta Basketball has learnt.
Athleta introduced themselves to the women’s league in July when they announced former Depiro women’s coach Adrian Baldacchino as their new coach for the senior and Under-23 teams. Now they have landed an experienced player in Vella.
Sources have told Malta Basketball that Vella chose Athleta after having been presented with two different offers and will be playing as the team’s captain this coming season.
The former Hibernians and Luxol player was on the books of Fusion last season upon her return to the court but it was not to be for the club as the league minnows disbanded after the end of the season.
Having failed to secure sponsorship for the coming season, the team struggled to make ends meet, ultimately opting out of the coming season. Now, the club’s players have returned to the player market, with a number of them said to be heading to the two new clubs.
Athleta have also recently issued a call for tryouts that took place this past week with hopes of further building up their roster for the coming season.