Nat Hurst officially back to further strengthen the UC Capitals coaching staff
The UC Capitals are excited to welcome back Nat Hurst to the team as the team’s Lead Assistant Coach and Head Community Coach for the 2025/26 WNBL season.
Hurst, who was born and raised in the ACT and ended up becoming a local basketball icon, rejoins the club she helped lead to seven championships as a player, after starting her coaching career with the Adelaide Lightning.
Hurst is currently the Head Coach of the New Zealand Tall Ferns, who just concluded its stint at the 2025 Asia Cup and secured a spot at one of the qualifying tournaments for next year’s FIBA World Cup.
She joined the Capitals midway through the 24/25 season in an unofficial capacity, assisting at the team’s practices.
“When I unofficially joined the team for the back half of last season I could feel something special brewing,” she said.
“It was a similar feeling to how it was back when I was a part of the successes and championships, and I knew I just had to be a part of this moving forward. I’m looking to add value where the team needs it and working individually with these amazing athletes and help them grow and get to where they want to go.”
“I’m also looking forward to connecting with the community and continuing to grow the strong bond I and the team have with Canberra.”
UC Capitals Head Coach Paul Goriss is excited to officially welcome Hurst back on the squad, adding that her experience will further boost the team’s coaching staff along with the returning Tracey Wightman and Aidan Barnett.
“Nat is a multiple championship winner with the Caps, a WNBL head coach and a head of a national team (NZ). Her experience and knowledge of the game will be valuable on the sidelines and at practice,” he said.
“Nat’s expertise in skill development will also play a pivotal role in our backcourt player development and her extensive playing background will help complement the skillsets of Tracey and Aidan.”
On the court, and now on the sidelines, Goriss believes that the Capitals have assembled a team of complementary and diverse skillsets.
“Each member of our coaching staff brings something diverse, unique, and valuable to the team and I am excited to get started working alongside them,” he said.
“I must acknowledge the great work on and off court that Tracey and Aidan did with our team last year. They provided great support, energy and went above and beyond what was asked of them.”
“I am not only excited with our playing roster – the coaching staff and excellent high-performance team we have this season is one of the best in the league.”
Off the court, Executive General Manager Christy Collier-Hill is excited to have Hurst spearheading the Capitals’ community programs.
“Nat’s roots as a born and bred Canberran makes her the perfect person to deliver our community efforts,” she said.
“Nat will work closely with our team to ensure that the Capitals are champions in the community. From our holiday camps and school visits, to our club ambassador programs and elite basketball pathways, we will continue to build and deliver engaging programs that are valuable to the community.”