Sharks Spotlight: Courtney Burke to Coach Vic Country U18 Girls

Basketball Victoria has announced the coaching appointments for the 2026 Victorian Country State Teams — and we’re excited to celebrate our very own Courtney Burke, who has been appointed Development Coach for the U18 Girls.

Courtney says the news is still sinking in:

“It’s super exciting! It’s something that I have worked really hard for over the last couple of years and it feels like that hard work is starting to pay off.”

Her role will involve heading to SDP trials, the Albury Cup, and multiple training camps in the lead-up to Nationals. She’ll also contribute to scouting, coding, and player development when the team heads away in April.

A coaching journey built step by step

Courtney’s first taste of coaching came at a Basketball Victoria Country Skills Day. From there, she steadily took on bigger challenges:

“I started coaching VJBL, youth league, and applying for roles within the state development pathway. These roles helped me build good relationships with people in the basketball community.”

This year, she was also part of the Accelerated Women in Coaching Program, which she says was a game-changer:

“I got to go to Under 16 Footlocker Nationals with a group of women and Basketball Victoria. That really pushed me to apply for a Nationals Development Role.”

Bringing it back to Sharks

Courtney believes this opportunity will benefit both her and the club:

“The experience will definitely test me and put me in situations I’ve never been in before. It will broaden my understanding of the Basketball Victoria systems of play. These experiences and knowledge will put me in a great position to lead the club and hopefully help more athletes and coaches achieve their goals.”

Looking ahead with Vic Country U18 Girls

When asked what she hopes to achieve with the team, Courtney was clear:

“I think our coaching staff will be able to get the best out of the group that is selected. Personally, I just want to do everything I can to support the group and the other coaches — and hopefully come out of the campaign with some lifelong friendships and of course a medal ;)”

Advice for young female coaches

Courtney also had some simple but powerful advice for coaches just starting out:

“Believe in yourself. If you think you’re capable of something then you are. Don’t let anyone stand in your way and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t. Be yourself, coach to yourself and back yourself.”

We couldn’t be prouder of Courtney’s appointment and look forward to seeing all she will achieve with the Vic Country U18 Girls — and the knowledge, energy and inspiration she’ll bring back to Sharks.