UC Capitals Roster Recap

The UC Capitals are back in camp and hitting the ground running as they prepare for the 2025/26 WNBL season.  

With a roster blending experienced veterans, rising stars, and exciting development players, the Capitals are focused on building chemistry, sharpening their skills, and laying the foundations for a strong campaign.  

Head Coach Paul Goriss and his squad are ready to push hard in training, with their sights set on finals and another memorable season for Capitals fans at the AIS Arena.

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Returning Caps:

Jade Melbourne #5

Jade Melbourne returns as a cornerstone of the UC Capitals backcourt, having grown from a teenage debutant in 2020 to an Opals representative and WNBA guard with the Washington Mystics. Known for her energy, speed and playmaking flair, she brings international experience back to Canberra and remains one of the most exciting young talents in Australian basketball.

Nyadiew Puoch #13

Nyadiew Puoch arrives at the UC Capitals as one of Australia’s brightest young prospects, bringing athleticism and defensive versatility to the roster. She spent the off-season with the Dandenong Rangers in NBL1 South, and as a rising Opals squad member and junior World Cup bronze medallist, she was also selected in the 2023 WNBA Draft by the Atlanta Dream. With her ability to impact both ends of the floor, Puoch adds energy, length and excitement to the Caps’ lineup.

Monique Bobongie #9

After a breakout rookie season where she started nine games as a 17-year-old, Monique Bobongie returns to the UC Capitals looking to build on her promising debut year. In 21 appearances she averaged 6.7 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists, highlighted by a 17-point performance against the Southside Flyers, while also earning selection to the Australian Gems for the FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup. She was a standout with the Mackay Meteorettes in NBL1 North, and now the talented young guard enters her second WNBL season with growing confidence and a bright future ahead.

Nicole Munger #10

Nicole Munger returns to the UC Capitals for her fourth season, bringing leadership, and professionalism to the roster. The American import has been a key contributor since joining Canberra in 2022, earning Players’ Player honours in two of her first three seasons. Off the back of another great NBL1 season with the Newcastle Falcons, Munger combines on-court production with a team-first mindset, setting the standard for effort, consistency, and competitiveness as the Caps aim for their 10th WNBL title.

Jayda Clark #21

Jayda Clark returns to the UC Capitals after working her way back from an ACL injury last season. After debuting as an 18-year-old, she proved her versatility and showed flashes of her WNBL potential in her first Caps campaign. With a full NBL1 season under her belt with the Perry Lakes Hawks, Jayda is ready to make her mark in the WNBL guard rotation.

Abby Solway #7

Abby Solway returns to the Capitals as a development player and community coach, bringing WNBL experience, leadership, and local knowledge to the roster. The Canberra National standout averaged 9.8 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists during another strong NBL1 East season, helping the Nationals reach the finals. Solway adds experience in the Caps environment while also giving back to the community through coaching and engagement initiatives.

New Caps:

Sara Blicavs #46

Entering her 16^th WNBL season, Sara Blicavs joins the Caps with championship experience, versatility, and leadership to the frontcourt. After sitting out the previous WNBL season and making a remarkable recovery from spinal fusion surgery, the Olympian and Opals representative is back stronger than ever. With two WNBL titles, multiple national team selections, and a wealth of experience, Blicavs basketball resume speaks for itself and is only made stronger by her refreshed and refocused mentality as she suits up in new colours.

Zitina Aokuso #15

Zitina Aokuso joins the UC Capitals for the 2025/26 season, bringing international experience and a dominant frontcourt presence. After a season in Turkey with OGM Ormanspor, where she averaged 13.1 points and 7 rebounds, and strong performances for the Willetton Tigers in NBL1 West, Aokuso has returned to the league in pursuit of her third WNBL championship after winning two with the Townsville Fire. In the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, she proved her versatility, physicality and playmaking ability, and now brings leadership and depth to the Caps’ roster.

Kadi Sissoko #30

Kadi Sissoko joins the UC Capitals with WNBA and European experience to strengthen the frontcourt. A 26-year-old French international and former WNBA draft pick, Sissoko played 40 games for the Phoenix Mercury in 2023 and has spent the past two seasons in Europe, including alongside new teammate Zitina Aokuso. Known for her versatility, length, and athleticism, she can guard multiple positions, finish in transition, and step out on the perimeter, adding defensive and offensive dynamism to the Capitals roster. ‍

Teige Morrell #3

Teige Morrell is bringing versatility, toughness, and proven frontcourt experience to the Caps this season. The 1.91m forward/centre spent the past three seasons with the Perth Lynx and has built a dominant NBL1 career in Australia, including three MVP awards, and a 2021 NBL1 Central championship. She averaged 21 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 assists for the Lakeside Lightning, and will add heart, hustle, and championship pedigree to the Capitals frontcourt.

Isa Brancatisano #24

Isa Brancatisano joins the Caps bringing defensive intensity, energy, and shooting ability to the backcourt. After helping the Sydney Flames reach the finals last season and impressing with a 26-point performance against the Caps, Brancatisano averaged 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists for the Mount Gambier Pioneers in NBL1 South. Known for her relentless full-court pressure and three-point accuracy, she adds even more experience, versatility, and toughness to our roster.

Zara Russell #8

Canberra local Zara Russell joins as an amateur development player for WNBL26, bringing international experience and rising talent to the squad. A standout at Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence, Russell recently helped the Australian Gems win silver at the FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup and captained CoE to the NBL1 East grand final, averaging 17.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. Known for her leadership, athleticism, and competitive drive, she adds youthful energy while gaining valuable experience at WNBL level.

Tayha Watkins #1

Tayha Watkins joins the UC Capitals as a development player after a strong season with the Diamond Valley Eagles in NBL1 South, where she averaged 15.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while helping her team reach the finals. Making the move from Victoria, Watkins brings speed, skill, and a competitive edge to the Capitals’ guard rotation, eager to learn from experienced teammates and coaches while developing her game for a future WNBL roster spot.

Sharn Hayward #4

Sharn Hayward also joins Canberra as a development player, arriving from the Willetton Tigers in NBL1 West, where she averaged 11.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists and helped the team secure a finals berth. A former NCAA Division I standout with the Stonehill Skyhawks, Hayward is known for her shooting, versatility, and work ethic, adding depth and potential to the Capitals’ backcourt while continuing her development toward a full WNBL role.

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