Meet two of the Capital’s star assets
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We’re on the cusp of a fresh chapter with the Canberra Capitals — a chance to Go Big.
There are the two powerhouses at the helm, a new stadium to call home and, of course, an amazing marketing campaign garnering some well-deserved positive attention.
Ultimately, however, it’s the players that make a team—and the Canberra Capitals have an exceptional group of athletes primed to deliver a championship win.
Coach Paul Gorris was careful in putting together a group of athletes are not only immensely talented, but who uphold the values and ideals that have been built as the foundation of the Canberra Capitals.
“I look for three main things,” Gorris explains. “People who want to get better, people who want to work hard and be part of a team, and lastly, respect and relationships are at the pinnacle of who we are as Capitals.”
“I like to get to know my players, and I do take an interest in them and their families.”
Paul certainly does his research, and is near-relentless in pursuing his recruits. In 2016, he took notice of Virginia Tech athlete Hannah Young—initially contacting her through Facebook, though she was still in college at the time. Two years later, Paul was finally able to secure her as a Canberra Capital.
“Gorrie came to one of my games and saw me play and had a chat to me. I was really intrigued by what he was saying and what he was looking for, and his whole idea and what he wanted to happen with the Caps this year,” says Hannah.
“It was so nice that he was so persistent with me for two years—that says something about him, and obviously he sees something in me.”
“She’s a tremendous athlete” says Paul. “She’s a great defender and has the potential to be an Opal.”
He’d also set his sights on three time WNBL champion Kelly Wilson.
“I’ve always admired her tenacity, leadership, competitiveness and drive to do whatever it takes to win. She has played with [Canberra Capital] Kelsey Griffin in championship teams.”
Kelsey and Gorris used their combined influence to persuade Kelly from retiring, instead joining what was shaping up to be an impressive group of women.
“I’d played a few games, I’ve got a few games under my belt. You get to a certain age where people start talking about retirement, I really wasn’t sure what I was going to do. But speaking to Kelsey and Gorrie and seeing the passion they have for the Capitals, it was an offer that was too good to refuse” says Kelly.
With preseason training well underway, both Kelly and Hannah are anticipating the season ahead.
“Preseason is a bit tough, you just want to get through and play. That’s what I’m looking forward to” says Hannah.
“I haven’t played for the Caps before, so that’s really exciting—especially that first home game, and the prospect of playing with a great group of girls,” says Kelly.
“It’s obviously a pretty new look Canberra Capitals and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve.”
With a gruelling training regime, the players are limited in their spare time (“I just nap and relax in preparation for the next session” says Hannah), but are so far relishing their relocation to Canberra.
“I’m really enjoying myself so far,” says Kelly, naming Lonsdale Street and the Farmers Markets as her regular haunts.
“Canberra is much bigger than when I was at the AIS and I didn’t venture out too far then. I’m living with Kelsey and her partner right now, and they’re taking me around and showing me what Canberra has to offer.”
The cohesion of the team is something that both Kelly and Hannah count as one the Capital’s key strengths, and is testament to Paul’s coaching and vision.
“We’ve built a team to contend for a championship,” he says. “We have great leadership with [Marianna] Tolo, Griffin and Kelly, and I have built this team around people with great character and who want to get better and improve their game—who want to work and be on a team.”
“I believe we’ve done an excellent job of recruiting not only talented basketball players but great people on and off the court.”
“Everyone gets along so well,” agrees Hannah. “I think when you have that team chemistry, you can do bigger things.”
Find out more about the Canberra Capitals and get your 2108/19 membership at wnbl.com.au/uc-capitals
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