But being a part of the first Opals side to miss a medal since 1992 has made her more determined to clinch a third WNBL title.

And she has linked up with former mentor Paul Goriss in a bid to do so.

Tolo thinks it was about 2004 – which would have made her about 15 – when Goriss coached her at the Queensland Academy of Sport.

Goriss says Tolo was "a 12-year-old in Mackay" when she first played under his watchful eye in a North Queensland development program.

Tolo is looking forward to rekindling old memories on the big stage. "We have a really good relationship," Tolo said.

"I'm really looking forward to being coached by him again in an actual team and at a really high level. It's a great opportunity for him and I hope we do well for him."

Tolo is one of many fresh faces in a Capitals side with pre-season games on the horizon having spent four years playing in France and the United States.

"That's why these games will be really good to see where we're at in regards to the rest of the league," Tolo said.

"I know a lot of different teams have had changes as well with a lot of girls going overseas, so it'll be good to see where we're at."

While Tolo stopped short of saying there was a similar vibe among this season's roster and that of her two championship-winning years, she believes there is "a good feel" about the group.

"We're having lots of fun and enjoying ourselves and enjoying being on the court and playing with each other," Tolo said.

Goriss said the inclusion of the 195cm-tall Australian star is "big in every respect".

"It's great to have a person of her basketball calibre, but just probably what she brings on the court in leadership and off the court in leadership [is a big boost]," Goriss said.

"To have an Olympian, to have a player that's won two championships with the Capitals to come back and play here is a great boost for us and our program."

The Capitals' season starts on October 8 against the Dandenong Rangers at the Tuggeranong basketball stadium.