Cougars Reveal 2026 Youth Championship Women’s Squad
McKinnon Basketball Association is proud to announce its squad for the Big V Victorian Youth Championship Women (VYCW) 2026 season, as the Cougars prepare to build on a strong debut campaign in the division last year.
In their first season competing at Youth Championship level in 2025, McKinnon finished with a 13–9 record, ending the year equal seventh but narrowly missing finals due to percentage and head-to-head results. The experience has strengthened the group’s belief as they head into the 2026 season determined to take the next step.
Head coach Ryan Potter said the group had put together an excellent pre-season and was ready for the challenge ahead.
“The pre-season overall has been fantastic, and we are absolutely in a position where we can start the season strong. We have been committed to the defensive end of the court, and we have created an identity and culture that will be hard to match throughout the year. Despite some injuries across our squad, we are prepared for Round 1 against Dandenong.”
Potter said the group’s energy and competitiveness throughout pre-season had been particularly encouraging.
“I am excited by the energy and passion of the group. Throughout our pre-season games, we have put a major emphasis on high-intensity defence, and it has been a joy to watch our girls compete and fight for each and every possession.
After our first season in VYC last year, we know the level of competition and how hard we have to train to get the results we want, so it has been amazing to watch every single athlete compete together to make the group as a whole better.”
A number of returning players who were part of the club’s successful 2024 Youth League 1 championship campaign continue to form the core of the squad.
“The core group of this team has been together for quite a few years now. After the success of our 2024 YL1 campaign, those girls who have tasted the ultimate success are hungry for more, and I have seen all our returning players leading from the front to ensure we achieve our goals for the season.
The belief in the group for what we can achieve has never been firmer, and that is a credit to our veterans for upholding our values and culture, and ensuring we always have a fun and competitive atmosphere.”
The Cougars have also welcomed several talented additions to the program ahead of the new season.
“We have been lucky enough to add some really talented players to our VYC squad this year, with reigning YL1 MVPZoe Johnson, and incredibly talented young guards Maddi Carr and Mia Kellock adding fresh energy and enthusiasm to the group.
They have all added a spark to our group that has pushed us all to be better and has moved the needle on what is possible for us this season. The McKinnon Cougars Senior Women’s Program has been incredibly fortunate to add these talented players.”
After narrowly missing finals in 2025, the Cougars head into the new season with high expectations.
“Proving what we were capable of as a program and stamping our mark on the league was the goal last season, and this season is to go one, or maybe two, steps better.
We absolutely believe we can not only make finals, but make some noise when we get there. We have the talent, the passion, the energy and the culture to fight for the top four and firmly cement ourselves as a VYCW mainstay.”
Potter also highlighted the program’s emphasis on connection and culture within the group.
“Ultimately, we play basketball for the love of the game and community. I know our amazing VYCW athletes will pour their hearts into the season, and as long as we stay grounded and remember why we play this amazing game, we will have a successful season.
At the outset of the season, the coaching staff introduced a word from the Pitjantjatjara language group in Central Australia — Kanyini. Kanyini expresses the principle of being bound together through love, care and responsibility, and this word and its meaning has kept us grounded and understanding what we all mean to each other.”
The McKinnon Cougars will open their Big V Youth Championship Women 2026 campaign on Saturday 14 March, travelling to Rowville Secondary College – Eastern Campus to face the Dandenong Rangers, with tip-off scheduled for 5:30pm.
McKinnon Cougar Youth Women 2026 Roster
Lexi Ansell (Ormond Jets)
Arden Bailey (Ormond Jets)
Maddi Carr
Evie Haywood (Ormond Jets)
Zoe Johnson
Nat Keane
Mia Kellock
Eloise Leonard (Brighton Wolves)
Alice Metcalf
Holly Miller (Carnegie Chargers)
Daisy Nousis (Bentleigh Lakers)
Keira Price (Ormond Jets)
Maddie Simmons (Bentleigh Lakers)
Trinity Vakacavu
Kayla Walsh