The University of Tasmania has launched the UTAS Basketball Academy, creating a clear development pathway for young basketballers from grassroots participation through to representative, university and elite level basketball.
The Academy will operate from the UniGym on the Sandy Bay Campus and is open to male and female athletes from the Under 12 age-group and above.
The program will be led by highly experienced Head Coach Anthony Stewart, alongside the UniGym and UTAS Sport teams. It offers a training environment on par with professional sporting clubs, unlike anything else currently available in the State. The Academy will combine on-court training, strength and conditioning, athlete development support, and access to the University's facilities to deliver elite athlete testing.
Adding a unique mentoring dimension, athletes will also be able to learn from senior University Basketball League (UBL) players, connecting the next generation of Tasmanian basketballers with current university level talent.
The University of Tasmania has become a national leader in Australian University basketball in recent years, taking out both the men's and women's titles in the 2025 New Balance University Basketball League. The University's 3x3 Women's team represented Australia in Brazil for the 2025 International University Sports Federation (FISU) University World Cup 3×3 Basketball.
The University's Head of Sport, Kieran Perry said the Academy is a commitment to strengthening pathways between community sport and university level competition.
"The Academy strengthens connections between junior basketball participation and University programs, helping athletes explore future pathways within university sport."
Head coach Anthony Stewart is thrilled to continue coaching basketball at the University of Tasmania, having been a driving force behind its UBL success in 2025 through the partnership with Swissher Hoops. Stewart said athletes will receive targeted support to enhance their technical skills, basketball IQ, confidence and overall athletic development.
Designed for highly motivated athletes committed to reaching an elite or professional level, the Academy focuses on small group sessions to maximise individual attention and development time for each athlete.
It incorporates educational opportunities and mentoring, giving participants a holistic athlete development experience. It also creates pathways into UBL programs, as well as coaching, leadership and student athlete opportunities at the University of Tasmania.
