24/04/2026
Congratulations to the 12 women leaders who have been selected for FIBA Oceania’s 2026 Women LEAD Basketball program! 🏀
The program prioritises leadership, visibility, and participation for women at every level of basketball. By equipping women in Oceania with practical skills, mentorship, and a regional support network, the program empowers women to influence decision making, guide organisational development, and drive meaningful change within their basketball federations and communities.
The participants of the 2026 program are:
Margaritta Viena (American Samoa)
Angie Kainamoli (Fiji)
Elysia Perez (Guam)
Yolene Koteureu (New Caledonia)
Katie Buckley (New Zealand)
Kristen Tauiliili (Samoa)
Theresa Masoe-Taimalelagi (Samoa)
Winnie Laora (Solomon Islands)
Tupou Falemei Fale (Tonga)
Sisi Fine (Tonga)
Christella Kalsrap (Vanuatu)
Christina Bare-Karae (Vanuatu)
Winnie Laora from the Solomon Islands is proud to be recognised by the program. “It feels like a quiet mix of pride, purpose and pressure - knowing I've earned my place, but also realising I now carry opportunities bigger than myself. It's not just about playing anymore but leading, inspiring and proving that I belong at that level every single day.” 🌟
is proud to partner with FIBA Oceania to back women in basketball, supporting pathways in coaching and leadership as well as increased international competition for Pacific teams.
Australian High Commission, Fiji | Australian Embassy, Federated States of Micronesia | L'Australie en Nouvelle-Calédonie et Wallis et Futuna | Australian High Commission, New Zealand | Australian High Commission, Samoa | Australian High Commission, Solomon Islands | Australia in Tonga | Australian High Commission, Vanuatu
FIBA in Oceania has confirmed the 2026 Women LEAD Basketball cohort, strengthening leadership pathways for women driving basketball development across the region.