Geelong United Basketball (GUB) is pleased to announce the appointment of our VJBL Legacy Team coaches for the upcoming 24/25 season.
U12 Boys Hutchison: Kynan Parker
Kynan joins our VJBL coaching lineup after being head coach of the Colac Kookas program, leading both the U12 and U14 girls’ teams. His teams have consistently performed well, finishing 2nd and 5th at the Country Championships. Kynan has also served as head coach at Jamboree on two occasions, and has been involved in FDP and U12/U14 Skills Days for the last five years. His extensive experience with younger athletes makes him a great fit for the U12 boys program.
U12 Girls Chandler: Stephanie Whatley
Stephanie brings a wealth of experience to the U12 girls program, and will return to the role after a successful 2024 season. She is the development coach for the U16 Victoria Country State team. Stephanie has contributed to several basketball programs, including as a floor coach at All State Camps, and as an assistant coach for Vic Country teams. In 2024 she also served as the Development coach for our NBL1 Women’s team, building the connection in our program all the way from U12s to NBL1.
U14 Boys Riches: Mitchell Cini
Mitchell is joining the club from Wyndham, where he has served as head coach for Wyndham’s U12.1 girls in 2024, after coaching their U12.2 boys in 2023. Mitchell also was an assistant coach with Wyndham’s Championship Men’s team, further showcasing his commitment to player development at all levels.
U14 Girls Dandy: Chad Suphamongkol
Chad brings extensive coaching experience to the U14 girls. Over the past eight seasons, he has coached various Stingrays/Geelong United VJBL teams, focusing on U14-U18 boys. In 2024, Chad coached the GUB U14 Boys 1st team to a VC Reserve Grand Final. In 2024 he also served as an assistant coach for the GUB Youth League girls’ team, and makes the move to the girls’ side of the VJBL program to strengthen our women’s pathways. His involvement in FDP further highlights his dedication to developing junior athletes at high levels.
U16 Boys Green: Leigh Rowbottom
Leigh joins our pathways program with 8 years of VJBL head coaching experience, working with both boys’ and girls’ teams. He currently coaches within Basketball Victoria’s FDP, SDP and NPP programs, highlighting his ability to develop work with top talent. Leigh has also been a Victoria Metro state team selector.
U16 Girls Morrissy: Hannah Ronan-Black
Hannah joins the GUB program from Bulleen, where she served as assistant coach for the YLCW and Big V Championship Women’s teams. Hannah is also the current assistant for the U20 Girls state team. In 2024, Hannah was the WNBL development coach for the Melbourne Boomers, and will be the development coach for the Geelong United WNBL team in 2025, along with working in our NBL1 program to further strengthen her ability to guide young athletes and build connection across all levels of our pathway.
U18 Boys Herbert: Ainslie Howard
Ainslie has an impressive resume, and returns as the U18.1 boys head coach after guiding the team to VC Reserve finals in 2024, and serving as an assistant coach for the Youth League Men’s team. Her previous roles include head coach of both Youth League Men and Women, Director of Coaching at Corio Bay Stingrays, and various positions within the Basketball Victoria state Pathway. Ainslie’s extensive coaching experience and leadership in player development will be invaluable to the U18 boys’ program.
U18 Girls De Grandi: Brendon Matthews
Brendon brings a wealth of high-level coaching experience to the U18 girls, and will be returing to the role after guiding the U18 Girls to a VJBL Grand Final in 2024. He has qualified for VC 13 times, the National Classic eight times, and has won multiple Country Championship titles. In 2024 he was the lead assistant for Geelong United’s YL1W team, and saw a number of his U18 girls play major roles in the Youth League team. Brendon’s experience and roles across different levels of our program make him a tremendous asset to the U18 girls’ program.
