Former Opal Rachael McCully joins the Sunshine Coast Phoenix for the upcoming NBL1 North 2021 season

The Phoenix are heading into the 2021 NBL1 North season with even more excitement after the club announced it had signed former Australian Opal Rachael McCully.

Rachael McCully of the Australian Opals women's basketball team training at TSS. Photo by Richard Gosling

The Sunshine Coast Phoenix are heading into the 2021 NBL1 North season with even more excitement after the club announced it had signed former Australian Opal Rachael McCully.

McCully, who will be the team's second former Australian Opal signing, has a long list of achievements throughout her 324 game WNBL career.

She is a WNBL life member and Townsville Fire legend and has captained the Fire to the 2015 WNBL Championship.

She has also been awarded back-to-back Robyn Maher WNBL Defensive Player of the Year awards in 2010 and 2011.

McCully said several factors had influenced her decision to commit to the club and return to the court.

"The opportunity to play with former Australian teammates and be a mentor to the next generation of Sunshine Coast players were major motivations for me returning to play at this level," she said.

"It's an exciting time for the game in Queensland and I look forward to being part of the Phoenix program and the new NBL1 North competition in season 2021."

Phoenix Women's head coach Darren Browne said he was excited about the addition of McCully, and the opportunity for her to partner with former Opal's teammate this coming season.

"Rachael is a great addition to the Phoenix for 2021," he said.

"She has played at the highest level and has a competitive streak that will have a positive influence on the team.

"Her backcourt pairing with Kathleen will provide the team with tremendous stability and give both Rachael and Kathleen various scoring opportunities based on how our opponents defend us.

"Rachael has a reputation as a quality defender, and we look forward to her leading the way on that side of the ball."

The Phoenix women's and men's teams will play part in the NBL1 North Rivalry Round season launch, when they take on the University of Sunshine Coast Rip at USC Stadium on Thursday, May 13.

The women's game is set to tip off at 6.30pm, the men's action starting at 8.30pm with live streaming of both games as part of the NBL1 North's Game of the Week coverage.