Amanda Jones
29 September 2016: University of Canberra Capitals star Jazmon Gwathmey has arrived in the nation’s capital and is keen to make an immediate impact in her first WNBL season.
Leaving Virginia in the United States on Monday, it took Gwathmey three flights totalling more than 21 hours in the air to get to Canberra, but the 23-year-old, who just finished a season with the WNBA’s San Antonio Stars, said she’s ready to take to the court with the UC Capitals.
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UC Capitals import Jazmon Gwathmey and head coach Paul Goriss. Photo: Vanessa Lam
Gwathmey said she is looking forward to working hard, improving her game and showcasing her skills in front of Australian audiences.
“I hope to bring qualities to the team that make the University of Canberra Capitals a finals contender this season. I have heard a lot about the WNBL — it’s tough, physically demanding and every team has quality across their roster, so I expect high quality matches every game,” she said.
University of Canberra Capitals head coach Paul Goriss said he was excited to have Gwathmey arrive and expects her to suit up for the team’s preseason hit out against Sydney Uni tomorrow night, giving UC Caps fans a first chance to see her in action.
“Jazmon is highly regarded for her defense and versatility. She loves to run the floor and her style of game and skill set suits our style of play and structure at both ends of the floor. She’s an up and coming talent in the WNBA and I believe she’ll only get better once she settles into our UC Capitals program,” Goriss said.
The UC Capitals are also delighted to announce that ActewAGL will continue as the team’s principal partner for a further three seasons.
“We are excited to extend our partnership with ActewAGL who has a proud tradition of supporting women’s sport in Canberra. ActewAGL and the UC Capitals have a great synergy — we place great emphasis on quality performance, providing outstanding community service and taking immense pride in being a leader in our respective fields,” University of Canberra Capitals general manager Matthew Phelps said.
ActewAGL director of marketing and corporate affairs Paul Walshe added: “As an avid supporter of women’s sport — from grass roots to elite — ActewAGL has backed the Canberra club since 2006 and we’re delighted to continue our partnership with the University of Canberra Capitals. We’re very excited about the team’s development and prospects in the competition for the 2016/2017 WNBL season.”
The University of Canberra Capitals take on the Sydney Uni Flames in a preseason game at Southern Cross Stadium tomorrow night. The UC Capitals start their 2016/17 WNBL season at home against the Dandenong Rangers on 8 October.
