Myra Donkin

• Guided the Cairns Dolphins to their first finals appearance in 15 years, marking a significant achievement for the team and the organization.
• Successfully recruited top-tier talent, including Cayla George and other elite WNBL players, to bolster the Cairns Dolphins' roster and enhance the team's competitiveness.
• Cultivated a culture within the program that made it highly desirable for junior representative players, creating an environment where young athletes aspired to be part of the team.
• Focused on player development, preparing athletes for college-level competition and ensuring they were college-ready after NBL1 commitments
• Demonstrated effective management skills by overseeing personnel, including coaching staff, and managing budgets efficiently to support the team's operational needs and long-term success.

• Led all coaching activities for Cairns Basketball, overseeing the development of players and coaches across junior and senior programs.
• Instrumental in driving junior representative success, including multiple state championship titles and national tournament appearances, showcasing Cairns as a formidable basketball talent hub.
• Designed and implemented comprehensive training and development programs for players, emphasizing skill development, game strategies, and sportsmanship.
• Managed a team of assistant coaches, providing mentorship and guidance to enhance their coaching abilities and overall program effectiveness.
• Established strong relationships with local schools, clubs, and community organizations to promote grassroots basketball participation and talent identification.
• Conducted player evaluations and assessments to identify potential recruits for the junior representative program and the Cairns Dolphins NBL1 team.

At the beginning of 2021 my partner Curt Ah Wang (whose jersey has been retired and hanging on the rafters of Court 1), founded an athlete development business called Rise Basketball.

Rise Basketball is a prospering basketball business dedicated to developing the skills of aspiring athletes. Under my leadership, Rise Basketball has been instrumental in the production of state and national-level talent in Cairns.

Key Achievements:

• Entrepreneurial Vision: Founded and established Rise Basketball from the ground up, demonstrating strong leadership, business acumen, and a deep understanding of the basketball industry.
• Talent Development: Played a pivotal role in the growth and development of athletes, cultivating their skills and confidence. This resulted in numerous athletes advancing to state and national-level competitions.
• Medal-Winning Athletes: Mentored and trained athletes who achieved outstanding success on the regional, state, and national stages, earning medals and recognition for their exceptional performance.
• Customized Training Programs: Designed and implemented tailored skill development programs that addressed the unique needs and goals of each athlete, leading to significant improvements in their game.
• Recruitment and Partnerships: Established partnerships with local schools, clubs, and sports organizations to identify and recruit promising talent into Rise Basketball programs.
• Community Engagement: Organized basketball camps, clinics, and workshops that engaged the local community fostered a love for the sport, and helped athletes of all ages and skill levels to reach their full potential.

My experience building and managing Rise Basketball reflects not only my dedication to the sport but also my ability to identify, nurture, and elevate basketball talent. Through personalized coaching and innovative training programs, I have played a pivotal role in the success of athletes at various levels, helping them achieve their dreams and contribute to their teams' success on the state and national stage.