A superstar on and off the court

Meet Desiree Kelley, a dual American and Australian citizen who once partied with international rapper, Snoop Dogg and was recently announced as the newest recruit for the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) Perth Lynx. 

Desiree has been with Monadelphous for three years and is currently the Workforce Management Team Manager. She has also been working towards playing basketball at the highest level since she was five years old. 

Desiree said that her childhood dream recently became reality when she was announced as the newest member of the WNBL team, the Perth Lynx. 

“I have played basketball since I was a kid and always dreamt of playing in the WNBL, so to now be in my first pre-season is a pretty surreal feeling,” she said. 

“I’ve played in the state basketball league since I was 16 and have wanted to be in the WNBL since I can remember first picking up a basketball.” 

Desiree has represented WA in the Under 16 and 18 national tournaments and has played in four championship games in the NBL1, a semi-professional league in Australia.  

“I’ve been lucky enough to win two championship games in the NBL1 – I have always wanted to get the most out of basketball and enjoy every milestone in my basketball career,” she said.  

In the lead up to her first WNBL season, Desiree said she understands the enormity of this achievement and is eager to make the most out of her opportunities while she can. 

“I know that I can’t play professional sport forever so I want to make sure I can get as much enjoyment and fulfillment from the sport I love as physically possible,” said Desiree. 

Desiree has also embraced her role at Monadelphous, with a focus on bringing the team together through introducing small initiatives that make a big impact, earning her a Mono’s Moment award.  

This includes ways to celebrate team and individual success and the introduction of ice-breaking activities to help people get to know each other. 

“What I enjoy most about my role is the people that I get to work with every day and that I am continually learning and developing – I love people, so it is a great role for me,” she said.  

Congratulations Desiree, we’ll be cheering you on in your first WNBL season!