UC Capitals captain Jade Melbourne has committed to remaining in Canberra for another season. The reigning Caps MVP and All-WNBL Second Team guard will continue her tenure with the only WNBL team she has represented since debuting as a rookie in 2021.

During her time with the Caps, Melbourne has rapidly developed into one of the brightest stars in Australian basketball. This season she averaged 15.7 points (6th in WNBL), 6.8 assists (1st in WNBL) and 2 steals (3rd in WNBL) in yet another highlight-filled campaign which included a career-high 40-point effort against title favourites Bendigo in the team’s final game.

Melbourne expressed her desire to bring success back to Canberra as the main reason behind her decision to stay on for next season.

“Canberra loves winning. We get to look at nine banners at the end of the court at every game, every practice, and that’s the thing that keeps me coming back,” she said.

“I want to add to that. I’ve been here for five years, I absolutely love it here, I love the franchise, the people involved, the community, the fans. Getting back to the finals is something that drives me every day and that is what keeps me around – I want to be part of the 10th banner. Canberra is home, and I just can’t picture myself playing for another franchise.”

Returning Head Coach Paul Gorris shared his excitement about Melbourne’s re-signing, as he looks forward to push the team further alongside the star guard.

“Her vision and mine align. She wants to win and there’s no doubt she wants to do it in Canberra. She wants to be one of those players that gets to hang that banner for the club, and she has put a lot of time and a lot of effort into being a Capital and building this program again,” he said.

“She is the cornerstone; she is the face of the franchise.”