The University of Technology Sydney returns to the New Balance University Basketball League in 2026 with a renewed sense of purpose, eager to build on the foundations established during its previous seasons while opening an exciting new chapter for the program.
Their return marks more than just a place back in the competition.
It represents an opportunity to reconnect the UTS community through basketball, providing meaningful experiences for student-athletes both on and off the court while creating an exciting game-day environment that engages students, staff and supporters alike.
Throughout their UBL journey, UTS has proudly showcased some of the university’s outstanding basketball talent, with players including Alex Titsha-Higgins, Archie Woodhill, Maddy Norris and Piper Anderson demonstrating the strength of the program while progressing along elite basketball pathways.
As the program returns, the focus extends well beyond winning games.
UTS is committed to building a well-rounded environment that supports student-athletes throughout the entire year, offering opportunities that help them develop not only as basketball players, but also as students and future professionals.
On what they hope to bring to the UBL in 2026, Intervarsity Coordinator & Head of UTS Basketball Paige Green said “Success and meaningful opportunities for UTS students both on and off the court. We want to provide an outstanding experience for our student-athletes while also creating an exciting game-day environment that engages the entire UTS community.”
The UTS teams are building an identity centred on connection, professionalism and relentless competitiveness.
Playing with pace and intensity on both ends of the floor, the program encourages smart decision-making, disciplined defence and a high basketball IQ.
Every player is expected to compete hard, trust their teammates and embrace a team-first mindset that allows the group to perform at its best.
Just as important as the way UTS plays is the culture that underpins the program.
Hard work, accountability and professionalism are expected every time players step onto the court, with the goal of creating an environment where student-athletes can thrive while proudly representing UTS.
That commitment extends beyond game day.
Whether in training or competition, the focus remains on continuous improvement, supporting one another and playing a brand of basketball that reflects the values of the university.
“We’re building a team that’s connected, hardworking and highly competitive. We want to play with pace, defend with intensity and showcase a high basketball IQ,” said Paige Green, Intervarsity Coordinator & Head of UTS Basketball.
The return of UTS to the UBL is being led by two highly regarded coaches whose experience in high-performance basketball and player development will play a key role in shaping the program’s next chapter.
Returning to lead the men’s team is Nate Kirwan, who brings an impressive coaching résumé and a proven record of developing elite talent.
Fresh from guiding the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Women to the 2025 NBL1 East Championship after finishing runners-up the previous season, Kirwan also has extensive experience within the Basketball NSW high-performance pathway. His familiarity with many members of the UTS squad, who also compete with the Sea Eagles, provides an immediate connection and strong foundation as the team prepares for the season.
Leading the women’s program is Harry Beauchamp, an assistant coach with the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles NBL1 Men’s team who also works alongside Kirwan through the St Luke’s Grammar School basketball program.
Together, they bring a shared coaching philosophy centred on player development, professionalism and creating an environment where student-athletes can reach their full potential.
With a strong emphasis on development, connection and high-performance standards, Kirwan and Beauchamp are committed to helping UTS student-athletes grow as players, leaders and representatives of the university both on and off the court.
After graduating from Macquarie University in 2025, Fletcher joined UTS in 2026 to pursue a Diploma in Marketing and represent the UTS UBL program. Averaging eight points per game with the Sydney Comets in NBL1, she adds proven scoring ability and valuable experience to the squad.
Joining UTS for his first UBL season, Hammond will take the reins as the team’s floor general at point guard. A key contributor for the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, he is averaging 7.3 points and 3.26 assists per game in NBL1.
After featuring in limited UBL matches in 2024 while based in Newcastle, Shannon is set for his first full season with UTS in 2026. A starting five player for the Inner West Bulls in NBL1, he averages 12.44 points per game and will be a key leader at both ends of the court.
Entering her third UBL season with UTS, Sainsbury has established herself as a key leader within the program. Representing the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Spiders in NBL1, she is capable of taking over a game with her shooting and will be one to watch whenever she finds her rhythm.
The well-rounded program we’re building at UTS for our student-athletes is something we’re incredibly proud of. Our commitment extends far beyond the university season, with ongoing support throughout our players’ NBL1 and Youth League campaigns, as well as year-round opportunities that help them develop as athletes, students and future professionals.
Paige Green, Intervarsity Coordinator & Head of UTS Basketball
The battle of the Sydney universities.
Few match-ups carry as much local pride as the Sydney university derby, and for UTS, clashes with The University of Sydney and UNSW Sydney are among the most anticipated games of the season.
With many players lining up alongside one another throughout the NBL1 and Youth League competitions, the UBL offers a rare opportunity for teammates to become opponents.
Friendships are put aside as bragging rights across Sydney go on the line, creating fiercely competitive encounters every time the three universities meet.
For the returning UTS program, these cross-city battles provide the perfect opportunity to announce their return to the competition while measuring themselves against two of their biggest rivals.
The return of UTS to the UBL is about more than basketball – it’s about bringing the university community together through a program built on connection, opportunity and school pride.
Every home game is designed to be an event, with themed rounds, fan activations, giveaways and entertainment creating an exciting atmosphere inside the Ross Milbourne Sports Hall.
While the venue may be small in size, the ambition is anything but, with UTS determined to pack the stands and create one of the loudest home-court environments in the competition.
Beyond the excitement of game day, the UTS UBL program is also focused on creating meaningful opportunities for students to gain practical experience in a high-performance sporting environment.
In partnership with the UTS Faculty of Health, students gain hands-on strength and conditioning experience by working alongside the UTS Sport Head of Strength and Conditioning, while the UTS School of Communication provides opportunities in sports media, including commentary, press conferences, article writing and game-day presenting. Students studying sport management and business also have access to internships within the UTS Basketball program, ensuring the UBL experience develops future industry professionals as well as student-athletes.
Traditions are also beginning to define the next chapter of UTS Basketball.
Every team huddle finishes with the unmistakable call of “OOTS” – a simple tradition that reflects the connection and culture the program is striving to build.
As UTS returns to the league in 2026, the goal is clear: create an environment where student-athletes can thrive, the university community can rally behind its teams, and the next chapter of UTS Basketball is one to remember.
University: University of Technology Sydney
2024 Result: Men’s Grand Finalists | Women’s Semi Finalists
Claim to Fame: A program built on elite pathways, student opportunities and a commitment to developing the complete student-athlete
Style of Play: Connected, professional and competitive
Rival to Watch: The University of Sydney and UNSW Sydney
Players to Watch: Elle Fletcher, Oli Hammond, Kobe Shannon, Nikki Sainsbury
2026 Goal: To make a successful return to the UBL by building a connected program that delivers excellence on and off the court
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