UC Capitals score Japanese national player Monica Okoye

July 3, 2023 | UC Capitals news

The UC Capitals are thrilled to announce the signing of Japanese national team player, Monica Okoye for the 23/24 Cygnett WNBL season.

The 6’0” forward joins the UC Capitals with a wealth of international experience, winning silver at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and just last week playing for Japan at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup.

The 24-year-old also has experience playing in Australia, signing with Geelong United in NBL1, where she played a handful of games before heading to Canada, Japan and Australia for national team duties.

Okoye said she is excited to be playing for the UC Capitals and spending more time in Australia.

“I understand that the WNBL is very competitive and as a player coming from Japan, I want to challenge myself to see how far I can go,” Monica said.

“I received advice from many people and decided sign with Canberra because of the high level of competition in the WNBL and Australia suits my living environment.

“I feel very comfortable there.”

UC Capitals Head Coach Kristen Veal said her basketball IQ will be an asset to the team, coming to the Caps “with an amazing basketball education through the Japan pathway and National team”.

“Monica will be a point of difference in the WNBL next season, she can shoot the 3pt from range, handle and pass like a guard, and play with physicality,” Veal added.

“She is a wonderful teammate who will fit seamlessly into the Caps line up, no doubt quickly becoming a fan favourite and playing with the joy that is becoming synonymous with this new era Caps.”