Venom add bite to roster with Wildcat signing

Image credit: Ian Knight Photography

The Geelong Venom have secured the signing of University of Colorado alum Sara-Rose Smith for the 2027 WNBL season, finalising their roster ahead of the TechnologyOne Townsville Tip Off.

After five seasons playing college basketball in the United States, the 25-year-old took her talents to the NBL1 South, representing the 17-5 Eltham Wildcats.

It was a solid year for the forward, playing 23 games where she averaged a near double-double, collecting 9.3 points and 8.5 rebounds alongside a steal per game.

Venom coach Cheryl Chambers said that Smith's presence as a double-double threat would be welcomed, a symbol of her physicality and grit.

"Sara-Rose brings a real toughness on the boards that you can't teach; she's proven that against some of the best competition in college basketball over five years," she said.

"She's got a great basketball IQ, she competes every possession, and we know from her junior career that she's got the talent to represent this country at the highest level.

"With Sara-Rose in the fold, we've now got our full roster locked in, and I couldn't be happier with the group we've built for 2026-27."

Smith was a promising junior, named in Australia's selection camp roster for the 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup and she won a bronze medal at the 2018 Youth Olympics in 3x3.

She also led Lake Ginninderra College to an Australian School Championship which drove a two-season stint at the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence.

Smith's Venom kickstart their Townsville Tip-Off weekend on Saturday against the UC Capitals before their WNBL season commences against the Tasmania Jewels on October 15.