The UC Capitals are keen to return to their spiritual home ground this November. Photo: Five Foot Photography.
Forty years ago, a team of passionate local sportswomen represented Canberra in the Women’s National Basketball League for the very first time. Today, the club they pioneered is Canberra’s most successful sports team across the board.
The UC Capitals hold nine championship titles, have been awarded the Keys to the City of Canberra three times and represent one of the most highly decorated women’s sporting clubs in the country.
Historically, the ‘Caps’ played at AIS Arena when competing on home turf, but following their championship-winning campaign in 2019/20, the outdated venue was deemed unfit for purpose and closed off to sport.
With the arena’s future remaining uncertain, the Capitals faced their rivals on courts at the National Convention Centre, Southern Cross Stadium Tuggeranong and Radford College.
The AIS eventually reopened in July 2024, following a $15 million refurbishment. Four months later, the Caps are finally set to return to their original digs for what promises to be a sold-out game against the Bendigo Spirit.
Former UC Capitals player and assistant coach Carly Wilson also represented Australia at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, where she and her fellow Opals won a gold medal.
Carly has been right there alongside her fellow Caps for knockout seasons and lost games alike. This year, she’s stepped into a more informal support role but is just as keen to see her team win.
“I always loved playing at AIS, from when I was a 16 year old competing under scholarship to my time playing professionally with the Caps and coaching them as well,” she says.
“We’ve had so much success there, and on the flip side, enjoyed incredible support from our fans during tough seasons. During the two championships we won at AIS during my time as assistant coach, the crowd was so loud I’m sure the roof lifted a little.
“I’m beyond excited to see Caps colours back on this iconic court.”
Carly has fond memories of training and competing at AIS Arena and is beyond excited to see her beloved Caps return to the site. Photo: Carly Wilson.
The team brings a fresh-faced lineup to the 2024/25 season, with only two returning players: superstar guard Jade Melbourne and American import Nicole Munger.
Joining the Caps for the first time are gun forwards Chantel Horvat and Nyadiew Puoch, emerging talents Ella Tofeaono, Indi Bowyer, Meg Jefferson, Katie Deeble and Monique Bobongie, and centre Charli Collier, who will be making her highly anticipated Australian debut this season.
Two-time championship-winning coach Paul Goriss is also back in the saddle after former head coach Kristen Veal stepped down due to health issues.
Upgrades at AIS have effectively doubled crowd capacity, allowing more fans to get involved in live basketball. UC Capitals general manager Lucille Bailie says the team wants to see every seat filled.
“We are so grateful to the National Convention Centre Canberra for the time we spent playing there, but the time is now for the UC Capitals to be at a bigger, better and dedicated home venue to allow for the growth we’re witnessing across women’s sport,” she says.
“We no longer will have to turn fans away because we’ve reached capacity. Help us fill out the AIS Arena and be part of the journey!”
The UC Capitals invite fans old and new to join them for their first home game of the season at AIS Arena on 8 November, where they will face off against the Bendigo Spirit. Tickets are just $5 – secure your spot quickly to avoid missing out!
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