Cockburn Cougars women's basketball team have signed a couple of gems in former Opal team member's Deanna Smith and Samantha Richards.

Deanna in her rookie year as coach was a member of the 2005 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010 Opals Squad.  She has had numerous All Star Five Awards in the WNBL playing for various clubs including Canberra Capitals where the team won the 2000 WNBL Championship.  Deanna has already impressed with one of the hardest and most professional pre-season team preparation undertaken in many years.

Samantha Richards joins the team for 2014.  Sam is a highly decorated player who will bring a wealth of experience into our young squad.  In 2012 she was a member of the Bronze Medallist Team at the London Olympics.  Sam was an All-star Five Player in the 2010/11 WNBL Season whilst playing for the Bulleen Boomers.  Sam was a member of the Opal's team that finished 5th place in the World Championships in the 2010, her selection here came after strong  performances oversees in places like Poland.  Her debut with the Opals in 2007 saw her play in the team that won the Oceania Championship in the same year.

Standing at 5'6" tall and having played this game since she was 8 years old, Samantha Richards will join Cougar veteran Emma Pass who will suit up for her 7th year with the team and the highly regarded Marita Payne formerly of the Perth Redbacks.

The new additions along with the talented young group of home grown players makes for a promising and exciting year for our Lady Cougars in 2014.

You can catch Deanna, Samantha and the rest of the team in action on Friday March 14th, tip-off is 6.30pm at the Wally Hagan Stadium.