As a founding member of the New Balance University Basketball League, the UWA Maali have built a program grounded in culture, connection and identity.
Named after the black swan — Maali in Noongar language — the program reflects the cultural heritage of Western Australia and the University’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment where students from all backgrounds feel a sense of belonging.
At the heart of the Maali identity is the belief that basketball is about more than competition. The program is built on community, inclusion and connection, with a strong emphasis on ensuring student-athletes feel seen, valued and empowered both on and off the court. This is reflected in the way the program continues to engage with the broader UWA community and the diverse student population it represents.
A consistent focus on culture has allowed the Maali to remain competitive while continuing to grow a program that evolves year on year. That balance of continuity and renewal has become a defining feature of the team’s journey in the UBL.
With extensive travel required throughout the competition, the commitment shown by UWA student-athletes to balance study, sport and personal responsibilities is a hallmark of the program.
“The UWA Maali have evolved over the years to build a system and program that allows its basketball athletes to strive and be competitive across the country whilst balancing studies.”
Energy, purpose and consistency.
The UWA Maali men’s and women’s teams share a playing style built on this, with both squads committed to competing at a high level every time they enter the court.
The women’s team plays with strong spirit and a relentless desire to compete, underpinned by a clear understanding of tempo and how to control the game.
“We want to be recognised as a team that plays with great spirit and a relentless desire to compete at a consistent level. Playing with a great understanding of tempo and how to execute at a high level on both sides of the ball,” said UWA Maali Women’s Head Coach, Charles Nix.
The men’s team brings an equally high level of energy and accountability, playing fast, physical basketball while staying connected as a unit.
“Our style is built on energy and accountability. We play fast, physical, and together, competing with consistency and purpose every time we step on the floor,” said Connor Richards, UWA Maali Men’s Head Coach.
That shared approach is shaped by the culture that sits at the core of the program. Named after the Noongar word for black swan, the Maali identity reflects Western Australia’s cultural heritage while also fostering a team environment where players feel connected, valued and empowered to represent the University.
In 2026, both UWA Maali teams will welcome new coaches for the season.
Charles Nix takes charge of the UWA Maali women’s program, bringing extensive coaching experience from the SBL/NBL1 West and a strong reputation within the Perth basketball community. He is expected to play a key role in strengthening the program, with a focus on both on-court performance and building a connected, positive team environment.
His leadership will be central to the continued development of the women’s program as it looks to compete consistently throughout the UBL season.
Connor Richards steps into the men’s head coaching role after being involved with the UWA Maali UBL program since its inception as both a player and assistant coach.
His team-first approach and commitment to athlete development will continue to strengthen the men’s program, helping the student-athletes excel both on and off the court.
A key leader in the group, Shrick is a third-year returning player and 2025 vice-captain who averaged 15 points per game last season while also ranking sixth in the league for rebounds with 9.4 per game.
Captaining the side in 2025, Zhang is a fourth-year returning player who averaged 9.33 points and 3.9 assists per game last season.
An NBL1 player with the Perry Lakes Hawks and a member of the Perth Lynx Academy, Moore brings valuable high-performance experience to the UWA Maali.
Adding valuable experience to the roster, Hall is a third-year returning player who earned a Player of the Round recognition in 2024.
The UWA Maali team represents the power of sport to bring people together. While we strive for excellence in competition, we are equally committed to building a team and community where culture is celebrated, diversity is embraced, and everyone has a place to belong.
UWA Maali UBL Team
The Western Derby.
This match up against Curtin is one of the standout fixtures of the season each year, bringing added intensity and pride as both universities battle for local supremacy and the chance to showcase university basketball in Western Australia.
A fierce cross-town rivalry, the derby is fuelled by passion, set to be a high-intensity clash as UWA looks forward to welcoming Curtin back at their home court this year.
The UWA Maali are also looking forward to facing newcomers Monash for the first time, having noticed how strong they are at UniSport Nationals the past few years.
The UWA Maali experience extends beyond the basketball court, underpinned by a program that connects performance, learning and community.
Second and third-year Sport Science students play an active role in the program through work-integrated learning opportunities, supporting athletes with warm-ups, cool-downs, injury prevention and strength and conditioning throughout the season.
Each year begins with a jersey presentation that sets the tone for the program, featuring a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony where athletes are invited to acknowledge and connect with the cultural significance of representing UWA before stepping onto the court. The Maali uniform itself has also been thoughtfully designed to reflect the journey and symbolism of the black swan, embedding the program’s cultural identity into what the team wears each time they compete.
That sense of meaning carries through to game days, with home fixtures transformed into vibrant campus events designed to bring the university community together. Themed rounds recognising Women in Sport, international students, LGBTQIA+ communities, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, alongside activations, prizes and giveaways, create an inclusive and engaging atmosphere for players, students and supporters alike.
At its core, the UWA Maali program is built on culture, connection and belonging, with the black swan identity symbolising a team that represents something greater than basketball.
University: The University of Western Australia
2025 Result: Men’s Quarter Finalists | Women’s Ninth Place
Claim to Fame: More than a basketball team, the UWA Maali are a community built on the spirit of Maali
Style of Play: Energy, purpose and consistency
Rival to Watch: Curtin University & Monash University
Players to Watch: Keegan Shrick, Damien Zhang, Nicola Moore, Abbey Hall
2026 Goal: To compete consistently while continuing to grow the UWA Maali program
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