A Milestone for Women’s Leadership in Pacific Basketball
The 2026 Women in Basketball LEAD Program in Oceania has drawn to a close, announcing two internship recipients who will now step into roles aimed at bolstering basketball development back home.
Christella Kalsrap of Vanuatu and Theresa Masoe‑Taimalelagi of Samoa were selected for the placements, which are backed by PacificAus Sports and overseen by FIBA. Both women will return to their national federations equipped with new administrative and coaching skills.
The program combined online workshops, mentoring sessions and hands‑on activities designed to build capabilities in administration, safeguarding, coaching and community engagement. Its curriculum was tailored to reflect the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women in basketball across the Pacific.
Voices of the Next Generation
Amanda Jenkins, FIBA Executive Director, highlighted the initiative’s role in creating pathways for women to assume leadership positions within the sport. “This program shines a light on the strength of women’s leadership across Oceania and sets a precedent for future cohorts,” she said.
Theresa Masoe‑Taimalelagi expressed gratitude to FIBA and outlined her ambition to build strong networks and explore twinning relationships that could link Samoan basketball with other Pacific nations.
Christella Kalsrap shared a similar vision, stating that she hopes to return to Vanuatu with the tools needed to support her federation and grow the sport at the grassroots level.
The internships are expected to strengthen the capacity of the Vanuatu and Samoa basketball federations, contributing to the long‑term growth of the game in the region and reinforcing the broader impact of women’s leadership in sport.