Future Leaders Program: Celebrating Our First Cohort

31 trailblazers from all over Australia were selected as the first cohort of the Future Leaders Program.

She Hoops are proud to announce the successful applicants for the inaugural Future Leaders Program.

The calibre of submissions was truly outstanding, reflecting the passion and potential of women and girls across our basketball community.

For this first intake, regional and remote applicants were prioritised, ensuring that those who often face the greatest barriers to access have the opportunity to develop their leadership skills.

The result is a diverse group spanning the entire basketball ecosystem - players, coaches, referees, and administrators - all united by their commitment to shaping the future of the sport.

Applicant Name

State/Territory

Evie, Martin

ACT

Grace, Buckmaster

ACT

Ceara-Elise, Leavai

NSW

Emma, Higgins

NSW

Georgia, Toscan

NSW

Isabella, Naylor

NSW

Zoe, Roulston

NSW

Gabrielle, Frelek

QLD

Jessica, Morgan

QLD

Neta, Arad

QLD

Reaghan, De Jong

QLD

Tabitha, Allen

QLD

Ashlee, Wutke

SA

Chloe, Kargiotis

SA

Lucy, Koch

SA

Marlee, Glatter

SA

Hannah, Hank

TAS

Shakira, Bone

TAS

Sophie, Winter

TAS

Tahanee, Bennell

TAS

Courtney, Burke

VIC

Darcie, Stephenson

VIC

Lily, Hughes

VIC

Maggie, Kratochvil

VIC

Olivia, Sudweeks

VIC

Paige, Schultz

VIC

Chanah, Horn (Crugnale)

WA

Georgia, Elson

WA

Hannah, Chatfield

WA

Lindsay, Fumhanda

WA

Mia, Anderson

WA

First Session This Tuesday

The journey begins this Tuesday night with an exclusive session led by Olympic champion and leadership expert Barbara Kendall. Across the program, participants will also have the chance to learn from an incredible line-up of guest speakers:

  • Dee Kantner – Pioneer and trailblazer in officiating
  • Donna Orender – Former WNBA President and global sport leader
  • Sandy Brondello – Australian Opals Head Coach and WNBA coach
  • Ezi Magbegor – Opals star and WNBA athlete
  • Sami Whitcomb – Opals guard and WNBA champion

Tools for Growth

Each participant will also complete DISC profiling, helping them build greater self-awareness and understand their leadership styles.

This forms a crucial foundation for the sessions ahead, equipping the cohort with both knowledge and confidence to thrive in sport and beyond.

Looking Ahead

The Future Leaders Program represents more than just workshops and guest speakers, it is a movement to empower the next generation of female leaders in basketball. With such an impressive first group, we are excited to see the legacy they will create in their communities and within the game.