Lebanon, IL - History was made official on Tuesday morning as
Clare Breden, one of the most decorated players in McKendree University Women's Basketball history, is officially headed overseas to begin her professional career. The 1,400-point scorer and four-time All-GLVC honoree has signed a contract with the Western Port Steelers of Australia's Big V League, finalizing the deal digitally and fulfilling a dream she has carried since childhood.
For Breden, the moment is emotional and validating, especially after having missed the back half of her final season (minus Senior Day) due to injury. "It does mean a lot," she said. "This has been a dream of mine ever since I learned this was a thing. I worked really hard, even after Senior Day, when I wasn't even supposed to be out there. For a team to still want me - even knowing I missed half a season - means so much."
The signing came together quickly. Breden sought out an agent on her own, connecting with Brad Waters, a FIBA-licensed agent with Crossover Management, who distributed her film and information as widely as he could. Waters was immediately impressed - not just by her game, but by who she is. The Australian season had recently ended, creating a natural window for teams to evaluate new talent, and the Steelers moved decisively once they saw her interest. "I was interviewing teams," Breden said, adding, "the Steelers jumped as soon as they could". She will leave for
Somerville, Victoria, Australia, on February 12th, with games beginning the last week of March.
Breden is energized not only by the opportunity but by the cultural shift awaiting her. With help from a McKendree Men's Basketball player and Swimmer, who both had their Australian insight, she developed a genuine excitement for the environment she's entering. She calls the culture "amazing" and has already been told repeatedly how big basketball is in the state of Victoria. "They're huge fans," she said. "I'm really excited to be part of a team where everyone has one thing in common - they love basketball."
Her collegiate resume explains why the Steelers acted so quickly. Breden finished her career with 1,431 points (12.7 per game), averaging at least 10 points per game in four of her five seasons and never shooting below 39% from the field.
Her 2023-24 season placed her among the league's elite: 17.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game on 47.1% shooting, earning D2 CCA All-Midwest Region honors, GLVC First Team All-Conference, and GLVC Player of the Week recognition. She scored in double figures in 28 of 29 games and ranked second in the GLVC in scoring during conference play. She also posted a career-best 97 assists, finishing with 273 overall.
Breden's senior season showed that same impact despite playing through injury, as she averaged 14.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.7 steals, earning GLVC Second Team All-Conference, another Player of the Week honor, and her third straight GLVC All-Academic nod. Across her career, she collected four All-GLVC selections, three All-Academic honors, and two GLVC Player of the Week awards, securing her place among the program's most accomplished guards.
The Western Port Steelers gain a player with elite scoring, defense, and impeccable leadership. McKendree Women's Basketball sends off a Bearcat who reshaped the record book, but now also carries its legacy, literally, into a new hemisphere - with her dream finally in motion.
Breden will be formally recognized at halftime of the Bearcats' game on Saturday, December 13th, a 1PM tipoff against Davenport from the Statham Sports Center in Lebanon.
Head Coach Kari Kerkhoff on Breden:
"Clare's impact on McKendree Women's Basketball has been remarkable. She's one of the most talented players in program history. Being able to continue her career at the professional level is a statement of her determination and work ethic. She set a standard and we could not be more excited to watch her represent McKendree overseas in Australia."
