The 2026 New Balance University Basketball League season marks the beginning of a new chapter for Monash University.
As the competition’s newest addition, they’re not just entering the league – they’re building a program that will help shape the future of varsity basketball at Monash.
Joining the UBL allows Monash to showcase varsity sport on a national stage, with 32 student-athletes proudly bringing the blue while creating new ways for students to connect, celebrate and represent the University.
Their inaugural men’s and women’s teams bring together student-athletes from across Monash’s faculties and campuses, united by a shared commitment to representing the university with pride, purpose and connection.
Backed by an active student community and recent national success in the 3×3 competitions, Team Monash enters the UBL ready to embrace the challenge on the national stage.
While they’re determined to compete from day one, their vision extends beyond the scoreboard.
They’re creating a program that delivers an exceptional student experience, unites the Monash community courtside, and inspires the next generation of Team Monash basketball players.
From packed home games and unforgettable game-day experiences to interstate rivalries and national competition, every moment is an opportunity to build a legacy that extends far beyond the court.
This is more than their first season. It’s the start of a legacy and their chance to leave a mark on university basketball.
“Being part of Team Monash’s inaugural UBL season is incredibly special. We’re not just representing the university, we’re helping build something that future players will be proud to be part of. That’s a privilege we don’t take lightly,” said Kassie Boorer, Team Monash Women’s UBL Captain.
There’s no blueprint for an inaugural season, but there is a standard.
Every team has its own identity. Monash’s is simple – physical, dynamic and connected.
Monash University Basketball is built on playing with intensity, purpose and trust.
Competing with physicality at both ends of the floor, playing a dynamic brand of basketball, and staying connected through every possession.
Whether it’s applying defensive pressure, moving the ball quickly and selflessly or celebrating the small wins, they back each other and compete as one.
As they begin their first UBL season, they’re focused on establishing an identity that reflects the Monash spirit, working hard, playing together and embracing every challenge that comes our way.
“We want to be a team that is known for our defensive intensity, our ability to adapt and execute offensively, and our unwavering commitment to play for each other. We’re a group built on exceptional character and mateship, but that won’t stop us from bringing toughness and physicality to every possession. That’s the standard we’re setting from round one,” said Fraser Kennedy, Monash University UBL Men’s Head Coach.
Monash want their athletes to compete with confidence, embrace challenges and understand the responsibility that comes with wearing the Monash jersey.
Their goal is to create an environment where players push one another to improve, celebrate each other’s success and enjoy the journey of building something new together.
Launching a new program takes more than great players, it takes leaders who can bring people together, establish a clear identity and create an environment where student-athletes can thrive.
Leading Monash University’s inaugural UBL campaign are Men’s Head Coach Fraser Kennedy and Women’s Head Coach Conor Mathews.
Together, they’ll guide a new generation of Monash basketballers with a shared commitment to high-performance, connection and continuous growth.
“The UBL is an incredible opportunity for our student-athletes to challenge themselves, represent Monash with pride and grow both on and off the court,” said Mathews.
While every coach brings their own perspective, Kennedy and Mathews share a common vision: building a program where players are challenged to compete with respect and at their best, support one another and proudly represent Monash on and off the court.
For Team Monash, success is measured by more than results.
It’s about creating an environment where student-athletes can grow as competitors, teammates and leaders while helping establish a welcoming culture that future generations will proudly inherit.
Returning for her second NBL1 season, Aleisha brings precision, agility and elite footwork to every possession and will be sure to set the standard with her composure and competitiveness.
A State Championship standout for the McKinnon Cougars, McQueen is a smooth and composed wing who can score in a variety of ways. His reliability on the defensive end and all-round consistency make him a valuable asset every time he steps on the floor.
Currently competing with the Casey Cavaliers in NBL1, Boorer combines her NCAA experience with versatility, high basketball IQ and relentless intent. She impacts the game on both ends of the court and elevates those around her as Team Captain.
A powerful presence in the paint, Blackburn combines size, strength and a soft touch around the basket. His physicality, vocal leadership and relentless energy make him a force on both ends of the floor.
One of the competition’s most dynamic scorers, Price brings power, strength and relentless energy every time she takes the court. Capable of putting up big numbers, she’s a constant offensive threat and an impactful competitor.
With experience in the Netherlands and NBL1, Team Captain Carroll brings a polished, versatile game and a calm presence on the court. Known for his smooth style of play and quick wit off it, he’s a fan favourite who makes an impact wherever he goes.
This first UBL season for Monash University is about more than wins and losses. It’s about establishing the standards, culture and identity that will set the tone not only for our upcoming season, but for all those players that come after us. We want to establish a program, not just a team.
Conor Mathews, Monash University UBL Women’s Coach
While their traditional blue rivalry with Melbourne University is always one to watch, they’re equally excited to forge new rivalries across the UBL.
Many of the Monash players already compete alongside and against La Trobe athletes at club level, bringing existing friendships, familiarity and healthy competition into the league.
Their UBL journey begins with one of the toughest tests possible, a Round One road trip to face the University of Tasmania on their home court. As the reigning 2026 UBL champions in both the men’s and women’s competitions, there’s no bigger challenge to kick off their inaugural season.
Monash’s biggest celebration of the season will be Bring the Blue Round on 04 September against Victoria University at Clayton, where they’ll unite the Monash community for a sea of blue, packed stands and an unforgettable game-day experience.
As newcomers, every opponent is an opportunity to prove themselves, earn respect and build the next chapter of Team Monash Basketball.
They’re the new kids on the court, and they couldn’t be more excited to join the UBL.
Monash University’s inaugural season represents more than the arrival of a new team — it marks the beginning of a new varsity tradition.
With 32 student-athletes bringing the blue, Team Monash is creating an opportunity for students, staff, alumni and supporters to come together, celebrate university sport and be part of something bigger than basketball.
From packed stands and game-day activations to the highly anticipated Bring the Blue Round, every home game will be an opportunity to showcase the pride and passion of the Monash community. Home games will also feature performances from Monash Cheer and Dance, recent FISU World Championship medalists and UniSport Nationals champions, bringing incredible energy and entertainment.
Whether wearing the jersey, cheering from the crowd or supporting from campus, everyone has a role to play in the Team Monash journey.
The program also extends beyond competition, creating valuable opportunities for students through work-integrated learning experiences in areas including live streaming, digital production and program delivery.
By combining high-performance sport with practical experience, the UBL is helping students build skills that will benefit them long after their time on the court.
At the heart of Team Monash Basketball is a commitment to building a culture where student-athletes feel welcomed, connected and proud to represent the university.
As the first Monash teams to compete in the UBL, the 2026 season is about establishing the standards, identity and traditions that future athletes can continue to build on.
“It’s pretty cool knowing we’ll always be the first Monash team to compete in the UBL. We’re determined to make this season one people remember and create something that future Monash players will want to be part of,” said Tom Carroll, Team Monash Men’s UBL Captain.
The jerseys are new, the rivalries are beginning, and the story is theirs to write.
University: Monash University
2025 Result: Inaugural season 2026
Claim to Fame: A bold new competitor, creating the future of Team Monash Basketball
Style of Play: Physical, dynamic, connected
Rival to Watch: Everyone – it’s game time! We’re bringing the Monash Blue energy, especially against our local blue rivals, Melbourne University
Players to Watch: Aleisha Cadee, Josh McQueen, Kassie Boorer, Mitch Blackburn, Romy Price, Tom Carroll
2026 Goal: Create an unforgettable inaugural season that inspires Team Monash pride, brings our community together and ignites a passion for basketball
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