By BACT Media Unit – 27 September 2023

Basketball ACT has moved quickly in securing a new Head Coach for the Canberra Nationals 2024 NBL1 East campaign and build on the legacy of work by former Capital, Basketball ACT Life Member and current Adelaide Lightning Head Coach, Natalie Hurst.

Basketball ACT are thrilled to announce the signing of Kristen Veal to the role, and the chance to build on the strengthening connection between Basketball ACT and the University of Canberra Capitals WNBL program.

Veal, a multiple WNBL championship player, former Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence Program coach and Australian Opal, is gearing up for her second season in charge of the UC Capitals, has said ‘I’m so excited to lock in this opportunity to coach the Canberra Nationals next season and to continue to build on the work Nat Hurst has invested in her hometown over the past few years.’

‘I’ve been a part of the Canberra community for a long time now, and I am incredibly passionate about contributing to the success and sustainability of the pathway across the ACT/NSW region, and I am keen to help young players develop to the NBL1 level, but also work with established players as they strive to convert their efforts to the WNBL level.”

Basketball ACT Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nicole Bowles, reflected Veal’s excitement by saying, “Basketball ACT and the UC Capitals have worked closely in aligning pathway opportunities over the last few seasons for players and coaches in our region, and it is exciting to build our connection even further, with the signing of Kristen as Head Coach for the Nationals next season.

“The contribution and connection that Kristen has had with Canberra basketball while studying, playing and coaching in our city over the course of her career, has been massive, and we can’t wait to see how she will build on the legacy that Nat has established with the Nationals over the first two seasons of the NBL1 East conference.”

With several Canberra Nationals players signed to WNBL teams for the 2023/24 season, including Lizzy Tonks and Issie Bourne (Adelaide Lightning) and Chloe Tugliach and Abby Solway (UC Capitals), Coach Veal has a strong network of stars to build around for the 2024 NBL1 East season.

Keep an eye out for details about player signings, 2024 Fixtures and our 2024 NBL1 East Canberra Gunners/Canberra Nationals Membership packages.