Meet the Toowoomba Mountaineers women’s stars set to make their mark in the 2024 QSL season

With the Toowoomba Mountaineers 2024 QSL season just around the corner, we shine a light on the stars of the women’s team as they prepare to send shockwaves across the state. See who is set to star in the QSL here.

Britt Hayes for the Mountaineers in 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.

With the 2024 QSL season just around the corner, the Toowoomba Mountaineers women’s side is locked and loaded for the year ahead.

After a breakthrough 2023 season where the Mountaineers broke their decade-long finals drought, Toowoomba has bolstered its line-up ahead of the new season and is set to make shockwaves throughout the competition.

Check out the exciting new line-up for the Mountaineers here.

Britt Hayes: Hayes is a proven performer at the wing position and has been a staple in the Mountaineers program for a number of seasons.

She is a versatile option on the perimeter as she runs the floor well, knocks down corner threes with ease and is famous for a back door cut.

While Hayes is an exciting weapon on offence, she is now a defensive presence and always has her hands in the lane.

Laura Conway for in action for the Mountaineers in 2022. Nev Madsen.

Laura Conway: If the Mountaineers are to make a serious title push, then Conway will without a doubt be a major reason why.

She was voted as the Mountaineers’ best defensive player after impacting multiple games with her relentless full court defensive pressure last year and is an energetic player who thrives on making those one per cent plays.

In the open court, she is lethal and has the ability to single-handedly change the tempo of a contest.

Halle Shipton: Coming off the back of a breakthrough 2023 season where she was the Mountaineers’ most improved player, Shipton has continued where she left off with a strong pre-season and is set to be a key member of the rotation when the season rolls around.

She has an incredible knack for scoring and is a threat from all areas of the floor.

Amazingly, she is still only in grade 12 but despite her young age, is at home playing senior basketball.

Kianah Lynch: Lynch didn’t see the floor much last season despite having an impressive season in 2022.

However, as an aspiring point guard, a year of learning from import Francis Donders will no doubt have her ready to make an impact once again.

She is set to provide valuable shooting from the perimeter and is stronger than ever after putting in countless hours of pre-season gym work.

Ashleigh Lynch shoots a trademark three for the Toowoomba Mountaineers. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Ash Lynch: Lynch has been one of the most exciting players to watch in the Mountaineers program over the last two years as she continues to get better and better with each season. Her unrivalled shooting ability has earned her the nickname ‘Splashleigh’ as she was the leading three-point shooter for the Mountaineers and finished fifth overall in the competition despite averaging just 12 minutes per game.

Lynch averaged seven points per game last season, while shooting at an impressive 36 per cent from downtown and her presence on the floor alone ensures consistent spacing for the Mountaineers offence.

Mia Stower: An elite pick-up as a full-time player for the Mountaineers.

Stower is a threat to not only be the Mountaineers MVP, but the MVP of the entire league. She has shown glimpses of what she is capable of in a Mountaineers uniform as she had an unforgettable 21-point, 32-rebound and five-assist game in 2022 in a season where she averaged a stunning 16 points and 21 rebounds across her eight games.

Those stats along speak to her scoring and rebounding ability.

She is a complete two-way player as she also chips in with blocks and steals and is an inspiring leader who will captain the side in 2024.

Kim Wilson: An experienced player who is back in Mountaineers colours after joining the side midway through last season.

Wilson is a vocal and energetic leader who motivates her team every night.

She has great size and will be a huge bonus in the centre or forward positions alongside the team’s other bigs.

Hannah Lennan for the Mountaineers in 2019.

Hannah Lennan: Lennan returns to the Mountaineers after a season with the Ipswich Force in the NBL1 competition.

After spending a season playing in the NBL1 North, Lennan is ready to take her game to the next level with for Toowoomba.

She defends at a high level and had to guard some of the best players in the country during her time with the Force.

On top of bringing elite defence, she also has great vision and has an incredible passing game.

Jasmine Gardiner for the Toowoomba Mountaineers in 2018. She is set to be a key player in her return to the side this year.

Jasmine Gardiner: Gardiner is another huge addition for the Mountaineers as she returns to the Garden City after stints in the college system at Lakeland and Medicine Hat.

After being labelled as one of the most promising young players during her time as a junior in Toowoomba’s QBL program, Gardiner is set to take the competition by storm in her homecoming.

The 23-year-old is a crafty guard who can score in the paint or from beyond the arc.

Her playmaking and finishing ability has her poised to be one of the leading scorers and assist-makers for the Mountaineers this year.

Paula Ortiz: An exciting import who comes to Australia after also having a stint at Lakeland College and playing in Chile where she averaged 18 points per game.

While she might be small, she has rapid speed and thrives when put in fast break situations. Ortiz can shoot the three-ball or beat her opponent off a dribble on offence, while defensively, she is an energetic presence who always gets involved.

Lisa Salmi: Another big pick-up for the Mountaineers this off-season, Salmi is an elite rebounder with a dominant post and mid-range game, while also a workhorse in defence.

She brings WNBL experience and is a natural leader on the floor.

Kirby Harley: Another welcome addition back to the Mountaineers after last featuring in 2019.

Harley is a former QLD representative as a junior and played 3x3 for Australia.

She has been a vital part of the Mountaineers in years gone and was a leader in all facets of the game.

Harley will be another vital cog in what should be a powerful offence ash she is a passing and scoring threat.

Development players

Layla Carmody, Taya Natalier, Ty Salmi and Millie Natalier have all impressed as development players and are up and coming stars to watch in the Youth League competition.