It’s very saddening when a late visa application affects your career path, but then maybe it just gives you more time to come back stronger for the challenges ahead. In 2021, the eighth overall pick in the WNBA draft by the Chicago Sky, 19-year-old Shyla Heal, lost her chance to make her mark in the WNBA being late on her visa. But she didn’t just sit out, cursing her fate; she decided to transform the ‘mishap’ into an opportunity to come prepared. And when she got another call from the league, her reply was a perfect Aussie trait – “I’m ready to go in and show them what I’ve got!”

After missing her training camp and playing just 31 minutes in the WNBA for the Chicago franchise, Heal was traded to the Dallas Wings, only to be waived shortly after. But she didn’t let that define her journey. And so, she has another opportunity to play in the W. The Phoenix Mercury came calling following her productive seasons in Australia, Turkey, and France. She won the WNBL title in 2023, shone in Turkey, with 17.6 points per game, 3.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while dropping the second-most threes in one of Europe’s toughest domestic leagues.

So, yes, Heal is not gonna let another WNBA chance slip away from her as she received a training camp contract from the Mercury. The charged-up star responded to a question about her return, saying, “You know how Aussies are. They fight, they play defence, they shoot threes. So, I am really gonna just fight every possession, and I am here to fight for my spot. That’s what I came to do.” A very pointed answer exuding confidence and grit, qualities she ties to her Australian roots.

Heal won’t be the only Australian vying for a place in the Mercury’s lineup this season. The franchise boasts a storied connection to Australian talent, having already featured 17 players from Down Under on its roster over the years. That legacy grew stronger with the recent signing of Sami Whitcomb, a two-time WNBA champion with the Seattle Storm, who brings eight seasons of league experience to Phoenix. “Sami is a savvy guard who can stretch the floor with her shooting and excels at the little things that make a team better,” Mercury general manager Nick U’Ren said. “Her experience and championship pedigree will be a valuable addition to our roster.”

League-wide, Heal has a chance to become the 14th Australian in the WNBA in 2025. So, while Sami Whitcomb is already secured with Phoenix, Shyla Heal, who began training camp on the 28th, will be vying for a spot alongside her in the backcourt.

The broader Australian influence in the WNBA is something to note—41 players from the country have graced the league, including legends like Michele Timms, Penny Taylor, Sandy Brondello, Lauren Jackson, and Erin Phillips. Heal was, hence, visibly proud of her heritage during Day 2 of training camp, saying, “It’s been really good. I mean, obviously, I am from Australia, there have been many legendary Aussies come here, Michele Timms, Penny Taylor…It’s been really cool to see how the Phoenix gonna play this season.” So, as she seeks to carve her own path, she will be drawing from the experiences of those who came before her and established themselves.

Legacy of overseas players in WNBA speaks volumes

The WNBA’s international exchange, with many players playing both in the WNBA and overseas leagues, highlights the league’s global reach and the opportunities it provides for players to grow their skills and develop their careers. Commercially, it has brought in international viewership, engagement, and growth for the league.

Commissioner Engelbert has noted the increasing presence of international players in the league, stating, “As we globalize our players, I think we’re at 17% of players born outside the U.S. now, and growing.” This reflects a broader trend of the WNBA embracing a more global identity, akin to the NBA’s international expansion.

On the court, the influx of overseas talent has elevated competition by introducing varied skill sets and playing styles. Take, for instance, the Seattle Storm’s 2025 draft pick, French standout Dominique Malonga. Standing at 6-foot-6, she brings a rare blend of size, agility, athleticism, elite ball-handling, and shooting range—features that promise to redefine positional play in the league. Past international stars have similarly left their mark: Poland’s 7-foot-2 Margo Dydek and Hungary’s 6-foot-10 Bernadett Hatar towered over opponents, while MVPs like Australia’s Lauren Jackson, Belgium’s Emma Meesseman, and the Bahamas’ Jonquel Jones brought loads of accolades for their teams.

For Shyla Heal, the opportunity to join this line of impactful international players is within reach. How it unfolds for her this season remains to be seen.