Miners Sign a Kraker!

The Ballarat Miners Women are excited to announce the signing of current WNBL Bendigo Spirit star import guard, Mehryn Kraker, for the 2024 Mitsubishi NBL1 South Season. 

Mehryn, 29, hails from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and joins us after a decorated career overseas where she attended Green Bay College before being drafted to the WNBA in 2017 by the Washington Mystics as well as joining Spanish side Cadi La Seu in the Liga Femenina de Baloncesto. 

Kraker is no stranger to Australia however and has experience in the NBL1 through her time at NBL1 West club, the Rockingham Flames where she has played the last two seasons, averaging 23.3pts, 4.9 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game which saw her rewarded with a WNBL roster spot at the Bendigo Spirit, working with Miners Women’s Head Coach Kennedy Kereama, where she has played a vital role on the team with averages of 12.2pts, 3.6 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game. 

Upon signing, Mehryn said “I’m excited for a new challenge in the NBL1 South which is a really competitive and challenging league. I’m looking forward to joining the Miners and an added bonus in getting to play with some of my current teammates and for Kennedy again!” 

Women’s Head Coach Kennedy Kereama said “As a coach, I am thrilled about the signing of Mehryn Kraker to the Ballarat Miners. Her extensive experience as a professional in top-tier leagues such as the WNBL, Spanish league, Germany, and Sweden truly sets her apart. Having been drafted to the WNBA in 2017 and displaying an exceptional collegiate career at Green Bay, Mehryn brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team. What impresses me the most about Mehryn is her extremely high basketball IQ coupled with her unmatched work ethic and leadership skills. She is truly a player who goes above and beyond, always putting in the extra hours in the gym to elevate her game. Her dedication to continuous improvement is a testament to her commitment to success.” 

Kereama continued by adding “On the court, Mehryn's versatility shines through. She is not only an exceptional shooter but also a playmaker, passer, and defender. Her ability to impact both ends of the court is remarkable and adds tremendous value to our team's dynamics. Mehryn's well-rounded skills make her a threat in any situation, and her ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game is a true asset. We are beyond excited to have Mehryn Kraker join the Ballarat Miners, and we are confident that her exceptional talent and leadership will help propel our program forward. Her experience, basketball IQ, work ethic, and versatility make her an invaluable addition to our roster. I am looking forward to working with and witnessing her contributions on and off the court in the upcoming season.” 

Chair of Senior Elite Teams, Nathan Oldaker said “We are excited by this signing as Mehryn has had an outstanding season in the WNBL and has shown she can impact the game at both ends of the floor. We feel she compliments the pieces that we have put together on this roster and it’s an exciting addition for our Club. 

Nathan added, “Mehryn is a high-quality person who fits our culture, and we see it as a bonus that she has been a high-level player in our league for the last couple of years.” 

Mehryn becomes the 7th member of our women’s roster for 2024, joining WNBL teammates, Micah, Ella & Abbey along with returning locals Millie Cracknell, Milly Sharp & Jemma Amoore. 

The Ballarat Miners tip off the season with a home game against arch-rivals Bendigo, at Selkirk Stadium on Wednesday, April 3rd. Miners Memberships remain on sale via Miners Memberships