Mikaela Ruef will return for her 4th consecutive season with the Bendigo Bank Logan Thunder Women after leading the Thunder women to the inaugural NBL1 North Championship in 2021. Ruef averaged 18ppg, 17rpg and 3.5app being named in the league all-star five and was unfortunate not to win league MVP again (previous 2019 QBL MVP), following another dominant season.
Originally from Dayton Ohio, Ruef attended Stanford University majoring in Management Science & Engineering before receiving a Master’s Degree in Civil & Environmental Engineering. Ruef has played WNBL for the Sydney Uni Flames, Adelaide Lightning and is now in her 3rd consecutive season with the Canberra Capitals.
Mikaela Ruef remains very excited about returning for the Thunder Family – ” I’m really excited to return to Logan for my 4th season with the club. It’s become a home for me and I feel welcomed and loved by the Thunder Family. After winning the championship last year, I’m hoping we’re able to repeat this season!”
Bendigo Bank Logan Thunder Women head coach Brayden Heslehurst knows how important Ruef’s character and leadership are- “Ruef has established herself as the best big in the competition over the past three seasons with the Thunder Family, helping lead us to two championships along the way, including the inaugural NBL1 North championship last season.”
“She’s not only a talented all around player but she’s one of the hardest workers you’ll come across and has also been instrumental in the culture and environment we have created here over the past few season which has allowed us to bring championship banners to the Bendigo Bank Stadium.
“We’re extremely excited to have someone of Ruef’s calibre return to the program as we aim to repeat the effort of 2021.
More player and partner announcements soon ahead of the 2022 NBL1 North Season tipping-off in April.
