The University of Canberra Capitals are pleased to announce the commitment of exciting Australian forward, Manuela “Manny” Puoch, for the 2026/27 and 2027/28 WNBL seasons.
Still just 19-years-old, Puoch arrives in Canberra with an impressive basketball résumé already to her name. She made her international debut with the Australian Gems last year to claim a silver medal at the 2025 FIBA Under-19 Women's Basketball World Cup.
Capitals Head Coach Paul Goriss said Puoch had been a priority target during the free agency period.
"Manny is someone we targeted early in free agency, and whilst it looked like she was headed to College in the US, there was an abrupt turn and we quickly moved to snare her signature," Goriss said.
"Manny is a versatile forward that is physical, has a great nose for the ball for rebounding and has an excellent feel for the game with a high IQ. Manny is a great passer and playmaker combined with her ability to shoot the three, space the floor and play inside, which makes her a versatile addition to our front court. I believe she is only starting to scratch the surface of what she is capable of in the WNBL."
Her performances on the international stage further cemented her reputation as one of Australia's most exciting young prospects and contributed to her selection in the 2026 WNBA Draft by the New York Liberty.
"Her being drafted in the WNBA by New York shows she has potential and a bright future."
Goriss said Canberra's development-focused environment made the Capitals a natural fit for the talented young forward.
Currently starring with the Dandenong Rangers in the NBL1 South competition, averaging 13 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists, Puoch continues to elevate her game against experienced senior opposition.
"After speaking with Manny we both knew this was a good fit and opportunity for her next WNBL destination. She understands there is work to be done before pre-season starts and we have already spoken about and targeted those areas for Manny to work on right now."
"It's also a great family story to have Nards and Manny play together at the Caps."
The signing sees Manny join older sister Nyadiew "Nards" Puoch in Canberra, creating one of the most exciting sibling combinations in the league.
Capitals Executive General Manager, Christy Collier-Hill, said the club was delighted to secure one of Australian basketball's brightest young prospects.
"We're thrilled to welcome such an exciting young star of Australian basketball to the Caps program," Collier-Hill said.
"We’ve been watching her evolution over the last two years in the WNBL, and we're looking forward to seeing that progress even further in Caps colours."
"We've got a terrific development program here, and given she’s just at the start of her career, we can’t wait to see where she can take her game here in Canberra."
"We're also thrilled to have the sister duo of Nards and Manny on the Caps roster, set to cause havoc for opposition defences this season."
For Puoch, the decision to join the Capitals came down to opportunity, development and fit.
"With timing ticking on what my development pathway was going to look like, I found that the Canberra Caps was the best fit and a place where I would have the opportunity to showcase what I have in front of one of the best fan bases in the league," Puoch said.
"I'm super excited to continue growing my game this season with the Canberra staff, meet my teammates and call myself a Cap alongside my big sis."
Pending WNBL review and approval, Puoch is the seventh player on the Caps 26/27 roster, joining sister Nyadiew Puoch, Isa Brancatisano, Sharne Robati, Amy Atwell, Isabel Palmer and Charlotte Whittaker.
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