La Trobe University has enjoyed success across both the men’s and women’s competitions in the New Balance University Basketball League, with the women’s team claiming back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023 before the men’s side secured the 2024 title.
These accomplishments are among the program’s proudest achievements.
Just as important, however, is the culture that has been built over the past six years.
From the first day of pre-season, players are introduced to what it means to represent La Trobe, creating an environment where everyone is working towards a shared purpose and student-athletes can thrive both individually and as a team.
The program aims to create an environment where students can compete for championships while leaving a lasting impact, ensuring every player contributes to the legacy of La Trobe Basketball.
“Beyond the trophies, we’re most proud of the programs we’ve built and the positive experiences we’ve been able to provide for our student-athletes throughout their time at La Trobe,” said Emily Harbrow, Senior Coordinator, Representative and High Performance Sport at La Trobe.
Humility, hard work and respect are at the centre of the La Trobe program and underpin the way both teams approach every season.
The men’s and women’s teams are committed to playing with intensity and competitiveness while letting their performances do the talking. Equally important is playing the game the right way and representing La Trobe with pride both on and off the court.
That commitment to the team extends beyond game day, with every player encouraged to contribute to a culture that values both competitive success and the continued growth of the program.
“Our teams are built around humility, hard work, and respect. We like to go about our business quietly, letting our performances do the talking”
Championship-winning coaches will lead the charge at La Trobe.
In 2026, the men’s team will be coached by Randy Shanklin and the women by Cam Burt.
Both coaches have played an important role in the success of La Trobe’s UBL programs over the past five years, and their experience, leadership, and commitment to player development have helped establish a strong foundation for sustained success.
They are highly respected within the basketball community and are committed to helping student-athletes develop on and off the court, consistently going above and beyond to help La Trobe’s student-athletes perform at their best.
There are plenty of exciting players to keep an eye on this season at La Trobe.
The men’s squad features just four returning players from the 2025 UBL season, alongside an exciting group of new faces, including several recruits with NBL1 experience from the Bendigo Braves.
The women’s team combines nine returning players with seven newcomers, many of whom have competed at NBL1 and WNBL level. Together, they bring a wealth of experience and are ready to make an immediate impact this season.
As a fourth-year UBL player and co-captain, Tahlia brings far more than her on-court ability. A natural leader, she plays a key role in fostering a strong team culture, ensuring everyone buys into the program and works towards a shared goal. Her experience, leadership, and competitive drive will be invaluable to the team’s success this season.
Returning to Melbourne after three years competing in NCAA Division I basketball in the United States, Holly brings an outstanding basketball pedigree to the UBL. Standing at an impressive 6’4″, her size, experience, and skill set are set to make an immediate impact on both ends of the floor.
Entering his third year in the UBL program, Ethan returns as one of the team’s experienced leaders. After working his way back from injury, the captain is eager to return to the court and lead by example. His resilience, leadership, and determination will be key assets as the team looks to compete this season.
One of the exciting new additions to this year’s men’s squad, Brodie joins the program eager to continue developing his game while learning from those around him. Standing at an impressive 7’2″, he brings a unique dimension to the team with his size, skill, and presence on the court, making him an exciting addition to this year’s squad.
We want our athletes to graduate knowing they have contributed to something bigger than themselves and helped continue the legacy of La Trobe Basketball.
Emily Harbrow, Senior Coordinator, Representative and High Performance Sport at La Trobe
La Trobe have set their eyes on newcomers Monash University this season.
Interested in how they will perform as the new team this year, many of the La Trobe and Monash players already compete alongside one another at club level, creating existing rivalries and friendships that will carry into the UBL.
With Monash bringing a strong basketball reputation into the competition, La Trobe are expecting highly competitive contests that should be great for players and spectators alike.
Success on the court has been a defining feature of La Trobe’s UBL journey, but the program is equally proud of the culture it has built and the opportunities it creates for students to develop, connect and make a lasting contribution beyond the game.
The UBL provides valuable work-integrated learning opportunities for La Trobe students. Sports Management and Sports Journalism students gain hands-on experience through game-day operations alongside La Trobe Sport staff, while journalism students are also offered paid commentary opportunities. Through the university’s partnership with Carlton Football Club, students enrolled at Carlton College of Sport can also assist with event operations, entertainment and logistics.
One tradition that remains important to the program is the support shown between the men’s and women’s teams. Whether playing at home or away, both squads are encouraged to be on the sidelines supporting one another, reinforcing the one-team culture that has become a hallmark of La Trobe Basketball.
Home games are played in La Trobe’s 1,100-seat stadium, with Friday night twilight fixtures set to become feature events this season. Planned additional entertainment and activations will also help create an even bigger game-day experience for players, students and supporters.
Together, these experiences reflect a program where success is measured not only by championships, but by the culture, connections and legacy every student-athlete helps build.
University: La Trobe University
2025 Result: Men’s Quarter Finalists | Women’s Quarter Finalists
Claim to Fame: Women’s back-to-back champions in 2022 and 2023, followed by the men’s championship in 2024
Style of Play: Respect, intensity and competitiveness
Rival to Watch: Monash University
Players to Watch: Talia D’Agostino, Holly Griffiths, Ethan Du Plooy, Brodie Johnson
2026 Goal: To compete for another championship while continuing to build a culture that leaves a lasting impact on every student-athlete
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