THE future of Australian women’s basketball continues to shine, with the UC Capitals adding the services of another promising young gun. Having impressed at both domestic and international level, rising shooting guard Jayda Clark has signed on with the Capitals for the upcoming WNBL season.

The shooting guard has showcased her skills across a variety of competitions, and looks set to thrive in Australia’s premier women’s basketball competition. Clark was awarded a scholarship at the Australian Institute of Sport in 2021, and has recently been suiting up for the Centre of Excellence in the NBL1 East Women’s. This season, she has averaged 14 points, five rebounds and three assists per game, showcasing that she can contribute in a big way on a team that is full of talent.

There is no doubt that she could have headed over to the United States to pursue a career at NCAAW level, having proven herself as one of the best prospects in Australia. However, with the WNBL continuing to emerge as one of the best competitions in the world, she chose to stay put in Canberra and kick off her career in the nation’s capital.

Clark also brings international experience to the table as well, having represented Australia multiple times, including hitting the game-winning free throws at the 2022 U16 FIBA Women’s World Cup final against Japan, which helped get her name on the radar of some big clubs.

As a member of the Capitals, she should receive elite training and coaching to help take her game to the next level under the guide of head coach Kristen Veal, who told the club’s website of the team’s excitement.

“Jayda is a wonderful prospect and definitely WNBL ready,” Veal said. “Her decision to stay in Australia and grow her game against, and with, elite senior women, is an exciting one. “I am genuinely thrilled to have Jayda sign and join the Caps roster – her intensity, toughness and work ethic will 100% contribute to, and complement our group.”

Clark joins Tahlia Tupaea, Alex Bunton, Jade Melbourne, Rebecca Pizzey, Nicole Munger and Gemma Potter as members of the Capitals ahead of the 2023/24 WNBL season, where the team will be eager to improve and make its way back into finals contention. Despite being 17 years of age, Clark will add another dynamic to a promising young roster.