WELCOME TO GEELONG UNITED BASKETBALL’S WEEKLY UPDATE.
IN THIS EDITION:
- WNBL Update
- 2025 Geelong United VJBL Presentations
- VJBL Legacy Team Coaches
- 3 Associations, 1 Community
- Become A Referee With GUB
- All Abilities Golden Game Day
- Community Development Program
- GUB Wheelchair Basketball Team
- Spring Super Camps/Girls Got Game Camp
- B-All-In
- Ability Hoops
- VJBL Tryouts
- Next Step Program
- Practice Like A Pro
- Future United Stars
- Momentum Hoops
WNBL Update:
Geelong Venom is thrilled to announce the resigning of Elissa Brett, and new import signing Mackenzie Holmes.
Elissa Brett signs back on after a breakout first season in the WNBL, averaging 8.25 points, 1.8 assists and 4.2 rebounds, including a standout 18 point haul against Adelaide in the final round of last season.
Mackenzie Holmes played collegiate basketball at the University of Indiana where she is the school’s all-time leading scorer, finishing her career with 2,530 points. She also holds the program’s record for most wins with 123 and became the program’s first first-team All-American, leading the team to four NCAA Tournament appearances, including two Sweet Sixteens and an Elite Eight. Holmes not only delivered on the scoreboard but also anchored Indiana defensively, elevated the program’s profile, and became one of its most celebrated athletes.
“I’m really looking forward to joining Geelong for the upcoming WNBL season. I chose Geelong because I’m really excited about this group, and I feel like it’s going to be a great place for me to continue to grow and thrive as a basketball player,” said Holmes.
“Fans can expect someone who is going to work hard day-in and day-out, be a great teammate, and give great energy. I am super competitive person that will do whatever it takes to win and I am just excited to get to Geelong and get to work.”
2025 Geelong United VJBL Presentations:
Over the past 2 weekends, Geelong United Basketball (GUB) held its VJBL Presentations thanks to Belgravia Apparel and New Balance.
Representatives from all age levels joined the celebrations at Beyond Bank Stadium, with each team crowning both its MVP and Coaches Award winners.
Get the full list of winners, plus photo gallery here.
VJBL Legacy Team Coaches:
Geelong United Basketball is proud to announce the coaching appointments for our VJBL Legacy teams for the upcoming 2025/26 season.
Find out more about our coaching staff here.
3 Associations, 1 Community:
In a major step forward for regional sport, Geelong United Basketball, Bellarine Peninsula Basketball Association, and Surfcoast Basketball Association have joined forces for this years’ Koorr Koorr Ngitji annual tournament.
Read more here.
Become A Referee With GUB:
Senior referees wanted! Be paid to get fit tax free!
These school holiday’s we are holding 2 beginner referee sessions:
- Monday 22nd of September, 5:30-7:30pm
- Wednesday 1st of October, 5:30-7:30pm
Email: etodorov@geelongunitedbasketball.com.au
All Abilities Golden Game Day:
Celebrate the spirit of inclusion, teamwork, and achievement at the All-Abilities Golden Game Day — the grand final event of the All-Abilities competition!
This special evening will shine a spotlight on our incredible athletes as they take to the court for the final showdown of the season. It’s a chance to honour their hard work, dedication, and love for the game in front of a proud and supportive crowd.
Highlights Include:
- Grand final matchups featuring our All-Abilities teams
- Player presentations and end-of-season awards
- A community celebration of inclusive sport
- Bring your energy, wear your team colors, and help us create a golden atmosphere as we wrap up the season in style.
WHERE: Beyond Bank Stadium
WHEN: Friday September 19, 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
All abilities. All heart. One golden game day.
Community Development Program:
Looking to build your skills and get an extra training session in each week?
The Community Development Program is a great opportunity for players in the GUB Community Competitions to grow their game in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Each session focuses on:
- Skill development
- Game IQ
- Confidence building
Led by Program Coordinator Courtney Burke, the program offers a fun and engaging space for players to learn, improve, and enjoy basketball even more.
Find out more here.
GUB Wheelchair Basketball Team:
Celebrate the Next Chapter in Inclusive Sport!
Join us in supporting the Geelong United Victorian Wheelchair Basketball League Team as they take the court for the second time!
Date: Saturday, 20th September
Location: Beyond Bank Stadium
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Experience the energy and skill of wheelchair basketball, connect with the community, and be part of a growing movement for inclusive sport in Geelong.
Let’s pack the stands and cheer them on!
Spring Super Camps/Girls Got Game Camp:
We’ve got an exciting basketball extravaganza in store for the upcoming spring school holidays!
Get set for five HUGE Super Camps, aimed to help build your skills and make you more confident on the court. Book for multiple camps to receive great discounts!
COST:
1 Camp – $60
2 Camps – $110
3 Camps – $160
4 Camps – $210
5 Camps – $250
6 Camps (including Girls Got Game Camp) – $290
Get yourself registered now, and don’t miss a second of the School Holiday fun!
Register for Super Camps here.
Register for Girls Got Game Camp here.
B-All-In:
B-ALL-IN is free a program where women build skills, confidence & community—On and Off the Court.
Step into a space designed just for women to grow their basketball skills while building lasting connections. The B-ALL-IN Program is a female-only initiative that blends athletic development with social connection in a fun, supportive environment.
What’s Included:
- Basketball Skill Development Sessions Learn and refine essential techniques—from dribbling and shooting to teamwork and strategy—guided by experienced coaches.
- Female-Only Community Train and connect with other women who share your passion for the game in a safe and empowering space.
- Tea, Coffee & Biscuits After Every Session Cool down, chat, and bond over a warm drink and sweet treats—because community matters as much as the game.
Whether you’re new to basketball or looking to sharpen your skills, B-ALL-IN is your chance to grow, play, and belong.
Find out more here.
VJBL Tryouts:
Our VJBL Tryouts are fast approaching!
Save the date for our October tryouts, and you could soon be donning a GUB jersey for the 2025/26 season!
For boys who have not played VJBL before and wish to try out for our U14, U16 and U18 squads, the first pre-screening tryout will be happening on September 14. If successful at this tryout, you will be invited to the following October tryouts.
Registrations for October VJBL tryouts are now open here.
Ability Hoops:
Ability Hoops is a program where Every Player Belongs!
This skill development basketball program designed specifically for junior players with intellectual disabilities. In proud partnership with Basketball Australia, we’re building a more inclusive future for the sport—one player at a time.
Find out more here.
Next Step Program:
Our Next Step Program is designed for Community basketball players looking to up-skill, develop their game, and learn from Geelong United’s VJBL coaches!
Join us and take the Next Step in your basketball journey!
Find out more here.
Practice Like A Pro:
Practice Like a Pro is a 6-week high-intensity skill development program built to mirror how professional players train.
Each week, players will step into a purposefully designed session that follows the same structure, standards, and flow as a pro-level workout — focused on efficiency, detail, and game-ready execution.
Registrations are now open – Find out more here.
Future United Stars:
Do you want to be a star of the future?
The Future United Stars program is a skill development program that will teach players how to be able to play competitively.
This program will be coordinated by GUB’s Coach & Athlete Development Manager, Simon Nicholson and coached by GUB’s U12 VJBL Coaches.
Registrations are now open – Find out more here.
Momentum Hoops:
Geelong United Basketball has teamed up with Freedom Sports to bring you its latest program, Momentum Hoops.
This skill-development initiative is for junior wheelchair basketball players aged 8+. Enjoy an inclusive program focusing on building basketball skills, confidence, and teamwork, while empowering young athletes to reach their full potential in a supportive and fun environment.
Find out more here.
Our mailing address is:
Geelong United Basketball
Beyond Bank Stadium
20 Crows Road
Belmont, Victoria 3216
Australia
