Another two stars from the Canberra Nationals have signed on with the University of Canberra Capitals, with Jasmyn Boutzos and Zara Funnell joining the WNBL side as Development Players for the 2026/27 season.

This takes the Nationals contingent at the Capitals to four, with Nat Hurst the team’s Assistant Coach and Caitlyn Jones already rostered with the side.

Both players were standouts for the Nationals throughout the 2026 season, with Boutzos named the Players’ Player of the Year whilst Funnell took out Defensive Player of the Year. 

Boutzos already has a wealth of experience under her belt, having celebrated her 100th NBL1 East match during the season. The Guard has built herself a reputation in the competition for her perimeter shooting, competitiveness, and pace at both ends of the court.

The signing represents an opportunity for Boutzos to pull on the jersey of the team she grew up watching and having the chance to take the next step in her basketball journey in front of her home crowd.

“I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be part of the team I grew up admiring so closely,” Boutzos said.

“I am most excited to be at the AIS, playing in front of my hometown and the amazing Canberra fans. It is something I have always dreamed of and I am really looking forward to learning from the coaches and players around me.”

At just 18 years old, Funnell has had a meteoric rise through the Canberra basketball pathway. The guard made her NBL1 East debut in 2025 with the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence as an injury replacement player, before joining the Nationals in 2026.

She now has the chance to train and play alongside the Capitals’ WNBL squad, experiencing the demands of professional basketball.

“I feel very privileged to have this opportunity. As a local player, I’ve grown up watching the Caps and this has always been a dream of mine,” Funnell said.

“I’m most looking forward to learning from the amazing coaches and players around me and experiencing the professional environment that comes with being part of the Caps.”

UC Capitals Head Coach Paul Goriss was impressed by both players during the club’s recent Development Player Trials and throughout the NBL1 East season, which has led to them both signing contracts with the team.

“It is exciting to welcome two local Canberra juniors to our team as Development Players, and having both been coached and mentored by Nat is a big advantage,” Goriss said.

“They both know what is expected of them, they understand the way we want to play, and they have shown that they are ready to challenge themselves in a WNBL environment.”

The Capitals will kick off their 2026/27 WNBL Season at home on 17 October against Bendigo Spirit at the AIS Arena.

Image Credit: Rexbergas.vision