Rio Tinto Perth Lynx Academy squad confirmed for 2026

Delivered in partnership with Rio Tinto, the Rio TintoPerth Lynx Academy is designed to support and develop talented athletes by introducing them to the Lynx playing style, systems and professional standards, while preparing them for the demands of elite‑level basketball both on and off the court.

As was revealed earlier in the week, the Rio Tinto Perth Lynx Academy program will be led by Head Coach, Melissa Marsh, a former Perth Lynx and West Coast Waves stalwart with 266 WNBL games to her name, alongside Assistant Coach, Caleb Nash, who brings NBL1 experience and a strong development focus to the program.

The selected Rio Tinto Perth Lynx Academy athletes will take part in a dedicated weekly training environment, with an emphasis on skill development, performance standards and holistic athlete education, aligned with the Perth Lynx professional program.

Perth Lynx General Manager, Chris Earl, congratulated the athletes on their selection.

“The Rio Tinto Perth Lynx Academy is about identifying and supporting athletes who have the potential to progress within our pathway,” Earl said. “With the support of Rio Tinto, we’re able to provide a high‑performance environment that exposes players to the standards and expectations of elite basketball. We congratulate each athlete selected and look forward to watching their development within the Rio Tinto Perth Lynx Academy program.”

Rio Tinto Iron Ore Vice President People, Matthew Kimball added:

“Rio Tinto would like to congratulate all of the athletes selected for the 2026 Rio Tinto Perth Lynx Academy,” Kimball said. “Being selected for the Academy is a significant achievement and reflects the hard work, commitment and potential shown by these players. We’re proud to support a program that provides talented Western Australian athletes with the opportunity to develop in a high‑performance environment and take the next step in their basketball journey.”

Congratulations to the players who have been selected for the Rio Tinto Perth Lynx Academy in 2026:

Chloe Zorzi (Goldfields Giants)
Samara Grinceri (Warwick Senators)
Nicola Moore (Perry Lakes Hawks)
Zaya Black (East Perth Eagles)
Katie Cummins (Warwick Senators)
Brooklyn Gurbiel (Lakeside Lightning)
Mikayla Deshon (Perth Redbacks)
Ayla Pizzuto (Cockburn Cougars)
Eva Smith (Perry Lakes Hawks)
Grace Evans (Perth Redbacks)
Emma Clark (Perry Lakes Hawks)
Emilie Beggs (Perry Lakes Hawks)
Alyssa Bowen (Kalamunda Eastern Suns)
Emma Strelein (Kalamunda Eastern Suns)
Josephine Odude (East Perth Eagles)
Remy Hearn (Willetton Tigers)
Ella Murdoch (Willetton Tigers)
Addison Barnes (Mandurah Magic)