Posted on 23 February, 2021

The NBL1 Cobra Women have secured their floor general for the 2021 season, signing Santa Clara point guard Tia Hay.

A Victorian native, Hay returns home following a remarkable high school and collegiate career in the United States. A Santa Clara University graduate, Hay’s electric blend of scoring, ball handling and playmaking – coupled with her cat-like quickness on the defensive end – saw her lead the Broncos in scoring (14.0ppg), assists (4.0apg) and steals (1.7spg) during her two years with the program. Those numbers ranked amongst the best in the West Coast Conference (WCC), helping Hay earn an All-WCC Second Team selection in 2019.

Prior to her standout stint with the Broncos, Hay spent two years completely dominating the National Junior College (NJCAA) landscape as a member of Salt Lake Community College. In 2018, Hay was named Conference Player of the Year, led the Bruins to the National Final Four, and was named to the NJCAA All-American First Team – an award she also earned the year prior. In 2016, she led St. Francis High School to the Californian state championship and was named team MVP – a precursor to her four-year collegiate dominance.

Cobras head coach, Hannah Lowe, believes Hay’s elite two-way point guard play at the collegiate level is set to give the Cobras a major boost in the backcourt, while her natural flair and athleticism will make her a fan-favourite at Kilsyth.

“After finishing up at Santa Clara, Tia will be fun to watch bursting on to the NBL1 scene,” Lowe said.

“She’s an exciting young player and will be a great asset to the team at both ends of the floor.”

Hay joins fellow West Coast Conference graduate – former Saint Mary’s Gael, Carly Turner – and superstar centre Lauren Scherf as the Cobras first signings for the new season.