House debates

Thursday, 5 March 2020

Statements by Members

University of Canberra Capitals

1:36 pm

Photo of David SmithDavid Smith (Bean, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

We need to talk about sport. The event to be at yesterday in Canberra wasn't estimates. It wasn't question time—is it ever? It was the Palace last night to watch the University of Canberra Capitals take on the Southside Flyers in the WNBL grand final decider. They are two amazing sides who have been great across the whole season. Despite being down by 15 points at one point, the UC Caps came through to win back-to-back titles before a packed AIS Arena—the ninth title for this storied team in a competition that is world class and deserves greater support and recognition here at home.

Co-captains Kelsey Griffin and Mariana Tolo are such amazing pillars of this team. League MVP Kia Nurse, finals MVP Olivia Epoupa, Maddy Rocci, Keely Froling, Abby Cubillo, Alex Delaney, Gemma Potter, Lily Scanlon, Shakera Reilly, Kristy Wallace: you are such amazing role models for young women and athletes right around the country and an inspiration to players who will be out on the courts this weekend, hoping that they can follow in your footsteps.

Coaches Paul Goriss, Kristen Veal, Carly Wilson and Jenny Lonergan; Lucille Bailey and the rest of the amazing UC Capitals team; the sponsors that got behind this great team, UC, ActewAGL, BentSpoke: you have done the whole capital region proud, and we will be there seeing you again.