Coach Paul Goriss agrees to contract extension with the UC Capitals
The first piece of the puzzle for the University of Canberra Capitals’ 2025/26 WNBL season is in place, with Head Coach Paul Goriss agreeing to a contract extension with the club.
Goriss led the Capitals to its most successful season in three years, finishing tied for fourth in the standings and just missing out on a playoff spot by virtue of its head-to-head record against the Sydney Flames.
“He’s in,” said UC Director of Sport Carrie Graf at yesterday’s press conference.
“This is his ballclub, he loves Canberra and he’s central to the success of this program. He’s a proven winner, he’s a proven development guy, and above all he’s a quality person and that’s what we want in our program.”
Goriss took over the coaching reins late in the offseason last year when then-Caps coach Kristen Veal had to step down due to health issues. He has led the Caps to championships in 2019 and 2020, and was named the league’s Coach of the Year in 2020.
Goriss said he relishes the opportunity to build upon the growth of the team this season, and carry over the momentum to 2025/26, with the club he calls as his home.
“I want to be here to win. That’s something that drives me every day – I want to make players better and I want to win,” said Goriss.
“I’ve had other opportunities in the past three years in the US to come back and coach other clubs, but this has always been home. The history, the support that I’ve gotten from Graffy, the University of Canberra, and the entire team here has always made this place the most comfortable and has allowed me to give my best.”
Goriss and Graf will next look to build the roster, with star guard Jade Melbourne’s contract extension as the first order of business.
“She’s already an icon of the league and it’s a relationship that we want to continue – so watch this space,” said Graf.
The Caps have Nyadiew Puoch, Katie Deeble, Monique Bobongie, and Jayda Clark all under contract for the 25/26 season, and will look to bolster the team in free agency once the league finalises its new collective bargaining agreement once the new ownership group takes over. But Goriss and Graf believes the team is already in a much better spot this year compared to last.
“The players that we have coming back have huge ceilings for growth. We’ll try to add some veteran talent and some other pieces, and we’re in a pretty good and exciting situation,” said Graf.
“We have to get better knowing that other teams are also going to recruit and get better. We want to hang another championship banner and we have to be better in certain areas to give us a shot towards a top four spot,” said Goriss.