In the midst of her rookie season with the University of Canberra Capitals in the WNBL, 17-year-old Monique Bobongie is already making a name for herself. But the rising star from Mackay represents far more than just her team when she steps onto the hardwood.
Bobongie, a scholarship recipient from Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence, is a proud Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and South Sea Islander woman. Every game is an opportunity for her to honor her family and her heritage.
I’m not just playing for my teammates and my team, but I’m representing my culture and my family, all the sacrifices they’ve made for me and trying to make them proud.
I’m doing this so I can get somewhere and give back to my family.
– Monique Bobongie
A Family Affair
Basketball runs deep in the Bobongie family. Monique’s older sister Denisha, five years her senior, was her original inspiration to pick up a ball at age eight.
“I looked up to her and she was my role model,” Bobongie explained. “She’s a lot stronger but I’d always try to take her on and I think that’s what helped make me the player I am today.”
That competitive drive and desire to pursue her basketball dreams ultimately led Bobongie to accept a scholarship to the Centre of Excellence in Canberra at just 16, leaving behind her tight-knit family in Mackay.
I was scared because I’m such a homebody and love spending time with my family, I don’t like being away from them.
I wanted the opportunity to pursue basketball so it’s just part of the sacrifices you have to make to try and get to your dreams.
– Monique Bobongie
Shining on the International Stage
Bobongie’s talents have already earned her opportunities to don the green and gold, most recently helping lead Australia to a gold medal at the 2024 FIBA Under-18 Women’s Asian Championship.
She poured in 23 points to go along with seven rebounds, three assists and two steals in the final against China. But for Bobongie, the chance to represent her Indigenous roots under the global spotlight was the ultimate reward.
I got to play alongside my best friend Teyahna Bond, she’s Torres Strait and South Sea also, our team manager brought the Torres Strait and Aboriginal flags for media day and we were just so proud to wear them. It was a special moment for us.
– Monique Bobongie
The Sky’s the Limit
Back in the WNBL, Bobongie has already flashed her sky-high potential. She exploded for 37 points in her preseason debut for the Capitals, showcasing a preternatural poise and feel for the game that has her coach Paul Goriss dreaming big.
I see her as being a future Opal and not that far in the future.
She most definitely has the attributes. She can handle the ball, she shoots the ball really well and is a smart decision maker with her passing.
– Paul Goriss, UC Capitals Head Coach
For Bobongie, the thought of one day joining the exclusive club of Indigenous Opals Olympians like Rohanee Cox and Leilani Mitchell is the ultimate dream. But it goes far beyond personal accomplishments.
Playing for the Opals is my No.1 dream and I would be so honoured to represent my country in basketball but also my people and community and show that Indigenous people can do it too.
It’s really important so kids can see they can do anything, even if it’s not basketball, they can have a dream and achieve it.
– Monique Bobongie
With an infectious smile, mature perspective and game that’s wise beyond her years, Monique Bobongie’s star is just beginning to shine. And as she embarks on her WNBL journey, she carries the pride and dreams of her people with her every step of the way.
