Cholhok, 27, heads to Australia on a multi-year deal after six seasons with English Super League (ESL) club Loughborough Lightning where she established herself as one of the premier shooters in the competition.
The 201cm shooter scored a league-high 975 goals in the 2024 ESL season, including 50 goals in the Lightning’s 70-54 Grand Final win over Manchester Thunder.
That title was Cholhok’s third Grand Final success with the Lightning, a period where she was the league’s top scorer on four occasions.
“I am so excited to be joining the Firebirds,” Cholhok said.
“It has always been my dream to play in the best league in the world.
“Every Saturday morning when I wake up I watch highlights of SSN and now it is surreal that I am going to be a part of the league.
“I am so grateful to the Firebirds for this opportunity. I can wait to get started and meet the Firebirds family.”
As well as her club success, Sudanese-born Cholhok has represented Uganda since 2018 and was part of the She Cranes’ 2019 and 2023 World Cup campaigns.
In South Africa last year Cholhok scored 185 goals to be the top scorer for Uganda as they finished fifth at the World Cup.
Cholhok will become the second Ugandan to feature in the SSN after fellow goal shooter Peace Proscovia’s two-year stint with the Sunshine Coast Lightning from 2019 to 2021.
“I tried for many seasons to lure Mary to New Zealand to join me at the Northern Stars without success,” Firebirds Head Coach Kiri Wills said.
“So to know Mary will now be joining me at the Firebirds in 2025 is a real thrill and I can’t wait to see what she can do in the SSN.
“Mary’s height is obviously a key asset but she’s developed her game so much in England. Her athleticism makes her difficult for defenders to manage. As a result her accuracy and volume is incredible.
“I just know Mary is going to be a wonderful member of our Purple Family and look forward to welcoming her to Brisbane in a few weeks.”
The Firebirds will share with members and fans announcements on further new signings in coming days.
