The return of homegrown players is continuing for Wolves with the signings of Great Britain U20 duo Lauren Milligan and Beth Sarson, who will be tasked with propelling Wolves up the WBBL Championship table in 2017-18.
Milligan returns to England after leaving the Oaklands Academy four years ago for Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia. Captaining the NCAA DII side, the 23 year old forward played three seasons whilst graduating in communications.
The 6ft star averaged 32.9 minutes, 7.4 points and 9.9 rebounds per game for the Griffins in her junior year before sitting out her senior season. Milligan has a long history with the Wolves head coach Lee Ryan, having started her basketball journey under his tutorship on the south coast.
The play caller is delighted to have her back at Oaklands and stated: “Its great to sign someone you know so well. Having coached her at Oaklands, in junior national league, regionals, and National Teams I guess it was inevitable that we would re-connect on her return from America.
“Lauren is as tough as they come, one of the most tenacious defenders we have seen in a GB shirt and a great team player, she will add so much to our program this season!”
Having played for England at u16, u18 and Great Britain at u20, Lauren is looking forward to getting back to the European game and making her mark in the WBBL. She added: “I’m so excited that I have the opportunity to continue to play the game that I love and I’m able to do it returning to my former home!
“The WBBL has become a great league, its very competitive and i’m ready to make an impact. The talent at the academy has improved so much since I left for America, I look forward to suiting up with them and as well as few familiar faces. I cannot wait to be a Wolf once again!”
Sarson becomes the first player to join the Wolves as part of their new partnership with the University of Hertfordshire. The former GB u20 point guard will continue her education at Herts studying Business & Sport Management, whilst playing for the university.
Having spent the past two years at Pfeiffer University, North Carolina the 5’6 shooter returns to Oaklands, a side she captained for two successful seasons in EBL DI, receiving the player of the year award in 2015.
“Beth is the definition of the word energy and we have missed her in the last two years, I’m so happy she is coming back,” stated Ryan.
“She will make us a real threat with her perimeter shooting ability and quickness, also to add someone who has experienced success in Oaklands kit is really important.
“The summer workouts have already been a step faster with her back in the building!”
Local to Hertfordshire, the former Herts Warrior junior has seen first hand the growth of Oaklands and will be an inspiration for the local basketball talent coming through the academy.
“I am really excited to be playing for Oaklands again under Coach Ryan in the WBBL,” said Sarson.
“This opportunity means I also get to come home, finish my degree at Herts, and play for Natasha Green in BUCS competition.
“Summer workouts have been great, to be back on court everyday at your home is special. We have a great opportunity to be competitive this year with a good mix of talented academy players and strong seniors.
“The WBBL has grown into an exciting league, full of very good players and coaches, I look forward to being part of it.”
Oaklands academy is built on junior development, now its former players will return to help the next generation thrive – something Coach Ryan sees as a huge positive for the programme.
He concluded: “To bring in three players that have a history with Oaklands is massive for us as we look to progress in our second year.
“The three players have a vested interest in the programme being a success and all have leadership quality. They understand the philosophy we are built on having been part of it and will be able to communicate to the next group of young players coming through.”
More Oaklands Wolves signings announced tomorrow. Follow the Wolves on Instagram & Twitter @Oaklandsball