Lightning sign 'Super Athlete' Feagin for WNBL26

• Sania Feagin is a 6"3' forward who plays for the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA
• Feagin averaged 8.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in her final season in NCAAW basketball
• Sania Feagin joins Dallas Loughridge, Steph Talbot and Tayla Brazel with the Adelaide Lightning

The Adelaide Lightning have made a significant move in their roster build-up for the 2025-26 WNBL season, announcing the signing of standout forward Sania Feagin from the Los Angeles Sparks.

This landmark signing marks the first import player for the Lightning as they enter what the club describes as "an exciting new chapter."

Feagin, 22, brings an impressive resume to Adelaide, including two NCAA Championships with the University of South Carolina (2022, 2024) and selection to the SEC All-Defensive Team in 2025. Her defensive prowess was further recognised when she was named a semi-finalist for the prestigious Katrina McClain Power Forward of the Year Award.

The athletic forward was selected by the Los Angeles Sparks in the second round of the 2025 WNBA Draft (21st overall pick), highlighting her status as one of the emerging talents in women's basketball.

A Super Athlete Joins the Lightning

Adelaide Lightning head coach Kerryn Mitchell couldn't contain her enthusiasm about the signing, describing Feagin as a "super athlete" who excels on both ends of the floor.

"We're delighted Sania Feagin will join the Adelaide Lightning for the 2025/26 season," Mitchell said.

"She's what I would describe as a super athlete. She works hard across both sides of the ball, boards hard and has an impressive mid-range game."

Mitchell's assessment is backed by Feagin's collegiate statistics from her final season at South Carolina, where she averaged 8.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. Even more impressive was her shooting efficiency, converting 60.1 per cent of her field goal attempts and 79.7 per cent from the free-throw line.

These numbers reflect a player who makes the most of her opportunities on offence while making a significant impact defensively—exactly the type of two-way contributor that can elevate a team in the competitive WNBL.

Beyond her on-court contributions, Mitchell emphasised that Feagin would be "the perfect addition to the team and culture we're creating here in Adelaide," suggesting that character and team chemistry were important factors in the recruitment decision.

"Feagin is also a great teammate and will be the perfect addition to the team and culture we're creating here in Adelaide," Mitchell added. "I personally think the fans will love seeing Feagin in action."

From South Carolina to the WNBA to Adelaide

Feagin's road to Adelaide has been marked by consistent success at every level. During her time at the University of South Carolina, she was part of two championship teams under legendary coach Dawn Staley.

The Gamecocks have established themselves as a powerhouse in women's collegiate basketball, and Feagin was an important contributor to that dynasty as a member of the SEC All-Defensive Team in 2025.

The transition from college to the professional ranks can be challenging for many players, but Feagin's selection in the WNBA Draft by the Los Angeles Sparks shows that professional scouts and executives believe in her potential to compete at the highest level.

Now, the opportunity to play in the WNBL gives Feagin a chance to develop her game further in one of the world's top women's basketball leagues outside the United States.

For Feagin herself, the move to Australia represents an exciting new challenge.

"I'm so excited to join the Adelaide Lightning," Feagin said.

"Playing in Australia and in the WNBL is a dream come true. The team is entering an exciting new chapter and I'm looking forward to working with Kerryn and the girls to create something special this season."

Her comments suggest that she views the move not just as a professional opportunity but as a chance to be part of something transformative with the Lightning organisation. This aligns with the club's messaging about entering a new era, indicating that both player and team share similar ambitions.

See our full WNBL roster tracker here during free agency.