UC Capitals land star Opal Sara Blicavs in WNBL free agency
The University of Canberra Capitals have added another big piece to their frontcourt puzzle, signing forward Sara Blicavs for the 25/26 WNBL season.
The 32-year-old star will resume her WNBL career in the nation’s capital after sitting out the 24/25 season. She has made a remarkable return from spinal fusion surgery and was once again named to the Opals lineup for the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup.
Blicavs’ decorated career includes two WNBL Championships (2014, 2020) and multiple national team selections – most notably the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 FIBA World Cup (Bronze Medal). After a year off from the WNBL, she relishes the opportunity to join a team that she feels is trending in the right direction.
“I’m very excited to go to a program where I know it’s going to be a lot of fun because of the people, and I’ll be playing under a phenomenal coach in Paul Goriss,” she said.
“I’ll be playing with some talented players, some up-and-coming players and now that the team’s adding more established veterans, I think there’s a big opportunity for us to do special things this season.”
“Caps fans, I hope you get behind us even more this season because I feel like this team is ready to go up another level!”
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The time away from the sport has given Blicavs the opportunity to refresh and refocus both physically and mentally, reigniting her love for the game as she prepares for her next chapter in the sport.
“The time off gave me a new outlook and helped me find joy and excitement in playing again,” she said.
“Physically, I feel like a 23-year-old again and back to my old ways in terms of how I’m moving and playing. I feel like I’m going to be bringing a lot of versatility to the team.”
Blicavs will also bring a lot of experience and leadership to the team, something that Coach Paul Goriss prioritised in this year’s free agency.
“We specifically targeted players with WNBL experience, leadership qualities and players who fit our values as a club,” he said.
“Speaking with Sara, we both felt it was right at this point in her career to make a move to Canberra. Her pedigree, experience and championship DNA will be vital to the team, and she’ll provide much-needed veteran leadership which I believe we lacked last year.”
“On the court, her ability to play inside and out on offense and her versatility defensively will open up different looks for us. I’ve seen her embrace different roles and be the ultimate pro and I think her teammates and our fans will love her work ethic and passion for the game.”
Blicavs is currently averaging 21 points, 9 rebounds and 2 three-point makes per game for the Melbourne Tigers through 11 NBL1 South games as she continues her comeback and preparation for the FIBA Asia Cup and WNBL season.