Erin Phillips to play NBL1 Central with Woodville Warriors in 2025

Australian footy and basketball icon Erin Phillips will return to the court after signing with a local SA club for season 2025.

Australian football and basketball superstar Erin Phillips will hit the hardwood next year after signing with a local SA club.

Phillips, who was a dual WNBA champion with the Indiana Fever and Phoenix Mercury, a WNBL champion with the Adelaide Lightning and a world champion with Australia, has joined the Woodville Warriors for the 2025 NBL1 Central season.

A dominant guard throughout her years on the court, Phillips had been considering a return to basketball since calling time on her legendary AFLW career in 2023.

“I’d been contemplating going back and playing some sort of basketball for a while,” Phillips said.

Erin Phillips will return to the basketball court next season after signing with NBL1 Central club Woodville. Phillips poses with president Steve Walker (left) and Warriors legend Paul Vandenbergh at the club. Picture: Woodville Warriors Basketball Club

“I know Steve Walker (Woodville president) and also Paul Vandenbergh (Woodville club legend) from his time in the AFLW and I played under new coach Vicki Daldy at the Lightning as well so I was definitely keen to be a part of the club once they reached out to me.

“I always kept my eye on hoops when I went to play footy, I just didn’t know if I’d play so soon but I’m really excited to get back on the hardwood and be part of a great community and family club.”

While Phillips had a successful playing career, she also spent time as an assistant coach with the Dallas Wings in the WNBA.

She said she was excited to guide the young up and coming talent at Woodville.

Phillips representing Australia at the 2016 Olympic Games. Picture: Andrej Isakovic

“We’ll see what my body allows me to do regarding my time on the court but off the court I really love the coaching element so it’s going to be about providing good playing minutes but also teaching and helping to support the young players coming through.

“Australian women’s basketball is in a great spot and we saw that with what the Opals were able to do, which was incredible – I watched the game with a tear in my eye and I hope a lot of young people were also watching.

“Influencing and supporting young people is something which is really important to me so I’m hoping I can help the young up and comers as a teammate and mentor them in their journey.”

Erin Phillips with wife Tracy Phillips (L) and kids, Brooklyn, Drew and Blake in 2021. Phillips was keen for her family to join her at Woodville. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

Phillips may also play a hand in another big coup for the Warriors ahead of the 2025 season, revealing she had been trying to recruit wife Tracy Phillips, a former WNBA player and WNBL champion with the Adelaide Lightning.

“I’m really excited to bring my kids to the club and help them with their basketball,” she said.

“Now it’s just about trying to get Tracy to join and hit the court again as well.”

Originally published as Erin Phillips to play NBL1 Central with Woodville Warriors in 2025