Jade Melbourne was born on August 18, 2002, in Traralgon, Victoria, Australia. An up-and-coming guard with the WNBL and WNBA, she has made an international name for herself with great skill and determination regarding women's basketball.
Jade Melbourne was born on August 18, 2002, in Traralgon, Victoria, Australia. She grew up in a sporty family and started playing basketball at a young age. Amongst different sports, like Australian Rules football, basketball is what she is most interested in.
Their parents supported her well enough to keep on perfecting her skills in this field and dreamt of a career in it one day.
Jade had begun her basketball career with the Traralgon Thunderbirds, and in no time, she created a name for herself. She has played for Vic Country at national championships, whose talent brought her to attention. Her stellar moment came in 2017 when she helped Australia win gold during the FIBA Under-16 Women's Asia Cup.
Then in 2019, she lit things up on stage at the FIBA U19 Women's World Cup, making it onto the All-Star Five as she continued her way toward being adjudged an up-and-coming star.
Beyond the great skillset, Jade has managed to build a reputation as a very hardworking professional. Coaches and teammates look up to her because she's capable of motivating them during those crucial, high-pressure moments.
The enthusiasm for basketball becomes contagious, and the urge to improve continuously shapes the future with Jade Melbourne while inspiring young athletes around.
Jade made her professional debut in 2020 with the University of Canberra Capitals in the WNBL. Her rookie season was highlighted by outstanding performances, one of which was an electric triple-double against the Adelaide Lightning in February 2023.
Later in 2023, she was selected by the Seattle Storm in the 2022 WNBA Draft with the 33rd overall pick. She then went to Washington, as a result of a trade-in in May 2024, ready for new challenges and the chance to elevate her game.
Jade proudly represented Australia on several international stages. Her debut with the Opals at the 2021 FIBA Women's Asia Cup saw them take home the bronze medal with my help. She also was a captain of the Australian Gems at the 2021 FIBA Under 19 Women's World Cup, where they finished with a silver medal.
Fast forward to this year, after qualifications for the 2024 Paris Olympics, her reputation as one of FIBA's Rising Stars simply means she is firmly established as a major prospect.
Jade played for Australia in all six matches of the 2024 Paris Olympics, starting every time and playing a crucial part in the winning of the bronze medal.
Underlined by her talent and determination, she proved not to be just a player, but an imposing force in women's basketball.