Loughridge's Rise Continues

In her first season with Casey, Loughridge averaged 25.84 points, 5.26 assists and 3.63 rebounds per game to claim the league's highest individual honour.

She also secured the Women's Leading Scorer Award and was named in the All-NBL1 South First Team, leading the Cavaliers to the finals with one of the competition's most dynamic offensive campaigns.

The award caps an extraordinary rise.

Loughridge missed her first WNBL season after suffering an ACL injury before debuting with the Southside Flyers, but has responded with one of Australian basketball's fastest ascents.

After joining the Dandenong Rangers in 2024, she was named the 2025 NBL1 South Youth Player of the Year after averaging 20.3 points, 4.8 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game. She then enjoyed a breakout WNBL campaign with the Adelaide Lightning before making the move to the Casey Cavaliers for the 2026 season.

In her first year in Cavaliers colours, Loughridge elevated her game to another level, claiming league MVP honours while helping Casey to the postseason.

Speaking during her NBL1 South MVP acceptance speech, Loughridge reflected on both the season and the journey that led her there.

"I came to Casey for my first season and I honestly love the group. We've made finals for the first time, so this award is pretty cool."

Reflecting on the adversity she overcame, Loughridge said the toughest period of her career ultimately shaped the player she is today.

"My journey's been a bit of a rollercoaster. That injury was extremely hard, but I learned so much about myself. I learned a lot of resilience and now I appreciate playing even more."

Her outstanding season has already opened another door, with Loughridge set to continue her career at Michigan University later this year after a breakout WNBL campaign with the Adelaide Lightning.

"It wasn't really on my bingo card, to be honest. I'm excited to embrace a different style of play... I think it'll just add to my game."

Before heading to the United States, however, there's still unfinished business with the Cavaliers.

Despite a season interrupted by injuries and constant changes to the lineup, Loughridge believes Casey is capable of making a deep finals run.

"We've had a rollercoaster of a season. Everyone that's stepped onto the floor has stepped up and played their role."

Now an NBL1 South Youth Player of the Year, NBL1 South MVP, WNBL breakout star and NCAA recruit, Loughridge's rise is gathering serious momentum—and Australian basketball will be watching closely to see what comes next.