McKinnon Cougars announce Team One coaches for the VJBL 2026/27 season

Written By McKinnon Basketball

The McKinnon Cougars are proud to announce the eight Team One head coaches who will lead the club into the upcoming 2026/27 Victorian Junior Basketball League season.

The appointments bring together an exciting mix of experienced junior coaches and members of the Cougars’ senior pathway, strengthening the connection between McKinnon’s junior and Big V programs.

Bill Runchey will return as Head Coach of the Under 12.1 Boys after leading the group to a silver medal at the 2026 National Junior Classic. The result matched the best finish by a McKinnon team in the tournament’s history and capped an outstanding campaign for the Cougars.

Runchey will be joined across the boys’ Team One program by Sarah Hurren in the Under 14s, Ben Corrigan in the Under 16s and Eamon McGrath in the Under 18s.

All four coaches are involved within the McKinnon Cougars Youth Men program, helping provide a strong and connected pathway for junior athletes progressing towards senior basketball.

On the girls’ side, Hannah McGillen will return to lead the Under 12.1 Girls.

McKinnon Youth Women coaches Zara Foley and Justin Calleja will take charge of the Under 14.1 and Under 16.1 Girls respectively, continuing the strong connection between the club’s junior and senior women’s pathways.

Championship Women player Emily Suckling will lead the Under 18.1 Girls, bringing her senior playing experience and knowledge to the next generation of Cougars athletes.

The McKinnon Cougars congratulate all eight coaches on their appointments and look forward to supporting them throughout the 2026/27 season.

McKinnon Cougars Team One 2026/27 Coaches

  • Under 12.1 Girls: Hannah McGillen

  • Under 14.1 Girls: Zara Foley

  • Under 16.1 Girls: Justin Calleja

  • Under 18.1 Girls: Emily Suckling

  • Under 12.1 Boys: Bill Runchey

  • Under 14.1 Boys: Sarah Hurren

  • Under 16.1 Boys: Ben Corrigan

  • Under 18.1 Boys: Eamon McGrath

Registrations are now open for the McKinnon Cougars 2026/27 New Player Tryouts.

Click HERE to visit out Cougars Tryouts Portal

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