Both players held a huge smile. They were clearly discussing something exciting. Hours after the game ended, the news was revealed: Wallace was named to the Australia Opals squad for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“It’s really special. It’s definitely a dream come true,” Wallace told reporters on Tuesday. A few weeks earlier in Chicago, she had relayed the same message about her Olympic dreams. “It’s something I’ve dreamed of as a kid. To finally get my name called up to the team is really special.”
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After battling through two ACL tears, Wallace was not selected to be part of the Opals in 2021 for the Olympics. She played in the 2021 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup not long after and made it back into the WNBA the next season. But that was a tough stretch for Wallace.
This year, she is healthy and defending well. She is often tasked with difficult defensive assignments for the Fever and enjoys those tasks. As it stands, her 2-point percentage has reached a career high; her outside shot, though, has been off this season.
But altogether, the 28-year-old is playing some of the best basketball of her career. Being named to the 12-player roster made all the sense in the world. Joining her are Rebecca Allen, Isobel Borlase, Cayla George, Lauren Jackson, Tess Madgen, Ezi Magbegor, Jade Melbourne, Alanna Smith, Stephanie Talbot, Marianna Tolo and Sami Whitcomb.
Sandy Brondello, the head coach of the Opals, called Wallace the morning of July 5 to let her know she made the team. Wallace described herself as a bag of tears upon hearing the news — she finally reached one of her dreams and now hopes to earn a medal in Paris.
This season, Wallace is averaging 4.8 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. She has started 15 of Indiana’s 22 games this year. Her best game was a 10-point, three-rebound night in a one-point win over the Chicago Sky.
Wallace said that many members of the Opals roster have a group chat together and talk often. Earlier this week, Wallace and Melbourne, who was in town before the Fever battled the Washington Mystics, went out for dinner together. It’s a tight-knit group.
“Wally’s just so tough. She’s one of the best people you’ll ever meet. She’s a great teammate. … I’m excited to team up with her,” Melbourne told The Next, noting that Wallace will bring a blue-collar work ethic to the squad.
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It extends to the Fever coaching staff. Tully Bevilaqua, a former player and commentator, became an assistant coach on Christie Sides’ staff this season. Bevilaqua was a member of the Opals in the 2008 Olympics, where she took home a silver medal.
Wallace warms up for games with Bevilaqua’s aid as a passer, rebounder and plenty more. The mixture of accents is a delight — their home areas of Australia are far apart.
“It’s been really cool to get another Aussie on board and learn from her,” Wallace said of her new assistant coach. Bevilaqua was with the Phoenix Mercury last season.
“I’m super excited for [Wallace]. First of all, she’s an amazing human being. I know what it feels like when you get that call and be told that you’re going to represent your country,” Bevilaqua said, per the Fever. “So I know the feelings that she’s going through and she deserves it. She’s worked so hard.”
Wallace will be the lone representative for the Fever in Paris as she lives her dream with the Opals.
The Next’s Jenn Hatfield contributed reporting for this story.
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