Waihape Andrews & Worner on board as Caps development players
The UC Capitals are thrilled to announce that Claudea Waihape Andrews and Nikki Worner have signed on as development players for the 2024/25 season.
Both Claudea and Nikki are talented products of the Basketball ACT system, having represented the ACT in Nationals tournaments, NBL1 and now join the Caps camp.
Claudea returns as a Caps DP for her second consecutive year, and loved getting her first taste of professional basketball.
“Last season I really enjoyed being in a professional environment for the first time. I had the opportunity to learn from the girls as they helped me grow my game and we’re so supportive towards me,” she said.
Claudea made her WNBL debut in Round 5 last year against the Southside Flyers where she scored her first bucket with the Caps and is now eager for more.
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“I’m looking forward to playing with a new group of girls this season, and excited to have the opportunity to be coached by Goz who has such great experience,” she said.
The 21-year-old spent the NBL1 season with the Canberra Nationals where she averaged 5 points, 4 rebounds per game and was a starter in the first 10 games.
Nikki Worner joins the squad after an impressive performance at the Caps DP and Futures Trial Day and is excited to unlock a new level of her basketball career in Canberra.
“I’m extremely excited to be able to start my professional basketball career in Canberra. To be able to play in front of my family and friends in the city I’ve grown up in is something I’ve always aspired to do. I’m looking forward to training and playing with such an incredible group that I now get to call my teammates,” she said.
The 24-year-old was part of the Gininderra Rats team that reached the BACT Senior Premier League grand final, and has been with the Canberra Nationals for the last two NBL1 seasons after spending time in the US college system with the Iona Gaels.
Photo: Viesther Bergas @capturedbyrekz.
Nikki has had a whirlwind of a week after getting the call up from Caps head coach, Paul Gorris, and joining the team for training and a practice match as they enter the pointy end of pre-season.
“After talking to [Nicole] Munger after my second day at practice, I would definitely call it being chucked in the deep end. Talking to Goz one day, and being on the court with the girls two days later it all happened so fast and I can’t wait to soak it in everyday at practice with this team,” Nikki said.
You can catch both rising stars when the suit up for the Caps at their first home game on Friday 8 November at AIS Arena.
$5 tickets to the home opener are selling out quick, use the password 5BUCKS to secure yours here.