Caps Academy provides a pathway and a glimpse into pro women’s sport
The University of Canberra Capitals, together with TMC Cubed and Basketball ACT, are launching the Caps Academy – a program that aims to enhance the high-performance pathways for female basketball players in the ACT.
Over five days, a group of Canberra’s elite up-and-coming female junior basketball players will take part in a specialised minicamp that will give them a glimpse into what goes into being a professional athlete.
Sessions over the five-day camp include a talk with the Caps coach, the team dietician, a physio and strength and conditioning session, a session with the team’s psychologist, and a session with the players themselves.
The UC Caps Academy is currently on going and tipped off on Monday 9 December. The initial batch features 10 camp goers, mostly from the ACT U20 state team.
“We are excited to launch this initiative with the help of our partners from Basketball ACT and TMC Cubed. For 40 years, the Caps have established itself as the standard of excellence in women’s basketball in Australia, and also as a Canberra institution,” said UC Capitals General Manager Lucille Bailie.
“This program will give our local emerging basketball talent a chance to experience some of the intricacies of being a pro athlete, so that hopefully it inspires them and elevates them to continue to aspire towards that path in the future.”
TMC Cubed Executive Director David Wightman, who is sponsoring the inaugural program, welcomes the continued partnership with the Capitals and looks to leverage it to impact the growth of grassroots sport and increase participation, especially among young girls.
“Our continued support of the UC Capitals reflects our investment to help continue the growth of women’s basketball. We want to build on this by bringing to life the Capitals Academy, as we aim to enhance basketball pathways and experiences for the next generation of ballers,” he said.
Basketball ACT CEO Nicole Bowles is excited to see the program tip off, noting the strong connection it creates for local athletes and the WNBL, and the unique
opportunities to elevate their skills, experience elite-level coaching, and gain exposure to pathways that can lead to professional and national-level basketball.
“For BACT and the Caps, this partnership aligns the resources, expertise, and networks of both organisations to provide a cohesive and supportive environment for athletes. It bridges the gap between pathway development and professional play, ensuring local athletes have a clear, achievable route to success without leaving the region,” she said.