Heyman signs for Stingrays

In what’s been seen as a massive coup days before the start of the PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s season, Illawarra Stingrays have snapped up Westfield Matildas star Michelle Heyman.

The Shellharbour product began her career south of Wollongong and played for the club a couple of years ago before progressing into the Westfield W-League and then being selected for the Westfield Matildas.

The 27-year-old attacker is a vital member of the Australian side which booked its ticket to the Rio Games later this year after qualifying in Japan last month.

Heyman was delighted with the news that will see her maintain her match fitness for the Olympics in August.

"I grew up playing locally for Warilla Wanderers and when the Stingrays started, it was a big change for me and it as where everything started for me,” she said after Friday’s announcement she would return to play with Illawarra this season,” she stated to the Illawarra Mercury.

"If it wasn’t for Stingrays I wouldn’t be in the W-League and where I am now.

“This club, I owe a lot to it and I am excited to get back out here and have some fun with all the girls."