MEET THE TEAM

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    • 2025 Taiwan WBSL Champions - Cathay Life Tigers

    • 2023 FIBA Asia Cup All-Star Five selection

    • 2023 Tauihi Champions - BNZ Northern Kāhu

    • 2021 BBNZ Female Player of the Year

    • 2019 WNBL Champions - Deakin University Melbourne Boomers

    • 2019 BBNZ Female Player of the Year

    NBL1 Club 2024, 2025 - Keilor Thunder (Melbourne, Australia)

    Penina Davidson has been a cornerstone of New Zealand women’s basketball since making her Tall Ferns debut in 2013 at just 17 years old.

    Now boasting over 60 international appearances, Davidson has evolved into one of the most consistent and dependable forwards in the national program.

    Her blend of size, athleticism, and basketball IQ makes her a defensive anchor and an efficient inside scorer - skills she’s sharpened over a decade of elite competition.

    A natural leader on and off the court, she has helped guide the Tall Ferns through multiple Asia Cup campaigns and Olympic qualifying runs, earning the respect of teammates and opponents alike.

    Her professional journey began with a standout collegiate career at the University of California, Berkeley, where she played 130 games in the fiercely competitive PAC-12 Conference. Graduating from Cal in 2018, she transitioned seamlessly into the WNBL, Australia's premier women’s league, where she continues to be a vital contributor.

    Now entering the prime of her career, Davidson brings a rare combination of international experience, collegiate pedigree, and professional polish.

    • 2025 FIBA Asia All Star selection

    • 2020/2021 WKBL Best League 5

    • 2020 Tokyo Olympics

    • 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup - Tournament’s Top Points Scorer

    • 2018 1st Rd Draft Pick WKBL

    • 2018/2019 WKBL Rookie of the Year

    2025 - Azul Marino Sant Josep Palma, LF Challenge, Spain.

    2024 - Tokomanawa Queens, Tauihi Basketball League, New Zealand.

    2024 - Bankstown Bruins, NBL1 East, Australia.

    Jihyun Park is one of South Korea’s most promising young talents in international women’s basketball, known for her versatility, court vision, and emerging leadership on the national stage.

    Standing at 6'1" and capable of playing both guard and forward positions, Park brings a rare blend of size and finesse that has made her a standout in both the WKBL (Women's Korean Basketball League) and international competition.

    A product of Korea’s well-regarded youth development system, Park has steadily risen through the ranks, earning accolades for her basketball IQ, defensive tenacity, and an ever-expanding offensive arsenal.

    Having represented Korea at multiple FIBA youth events and now transitioning into a full-fledged senior national team contributor, Park is widely viewed as a key figure in the country’s next generation of stars.

    Her performance at recent Asian tournaments has drawn attention not just for her scoring and rebounding, but for her composure under pressure and ability to create opportunities for teammates.

    As Korea looks to reestablish its place among Asia’s basketball elite, all eyes are on Park to help lead that resurgence, with international scouts and fans alike eager to see just how high her ceiling can go.

  • 2025 - FIBA Asia Cup Championship
    2025 - Australia/New Zealand Trans-Tasman Challenge
    2024 - Tauihi Champion - Tauranga Whai
    2024 - FIBA Olympic Qualifier - (Tall Fern debut)
    2024 - FIBA U17 World Cup - (Mexico)
    2023 - Tauihi Youth Player of the Year
    2023 - Rapid League MVP
    2023 - Rapid League All-Star 5 selection

    Pahlyss Hokianga is one of New Zealand basketball’s most exciting young prospects, already making her mark on the international stage before even finishing high school.

    The dynamic Tall Fern point guard has just returned from China, where she competed in the prestigious FIBA Asia Cup championship, fearlessly taking on some of the best players in the Asia region.

    At just 17 years of age, her poise under pressure, court vision, and ability to control the tempo of the game set her apart as a true floor general, well beyond her years.

    What makes Hokianga so captivating is her blend of speed, skill, and composure.

    Every possession she touches seems to spark energy and possibility, and her fearless approach has already earned the respect of veterans in the Tall Ferns camp.

    For fans, Pahlyss represents the future of New Zealand basketball. A rising star with the talent and mindset to elevate the game to new heights.

    Whether she’s pushing the ball in transition, locking down her mark on defence, or orchestrating the half-court offence, she brings a spark that’s impossible to ignore.

    With her high ceiling and international experience already under her belt, the basketball world should get ready, because Pahlyss Hokianga is just getting started.

    • 2025 - NBA Global Basketball Without Borders camp

    • 2025 - Australia, New Zealand Trans-Tasman series - Tall Ferns debut

    • 2025 - NBL1 - Brisbane Capitals

    • 2024 - Tauihi League - Tokomanawa Queens

    • 2024 - FIBA U17 World Cup (Mexico)

    NBL1 - Brisbane Capitals 2024, 2025

    Keriana Hippolite returns to the Tokomanawa Queens for the upcoming season, bringing with her an impressive run of form and valuable international experience.

    Fresh off her NBL1 campaign with the Brisbane Capitals, Hippolite has continued to cement herself as one of New Zealand’s most exciting young guards.

    Her 2025 has already been a standout year, earning selection for the New Zealand Tall Ferns in the Trans Tasman series and attending the prestigious NBA Global Basketball Without Borders camp, where she competed alongside some of the best emerging talent from around the world.

    Known for her dynamic offensive game, Hippolite has a full toolbox of ways to score, from attacking the rim with strength to stretching the floor with her shooting.

    Equally impressive on the other end of the court, she brings strong defensive instincts and relentless energy, making her a two-way threat that opposing teams must account for.

    As part of the new core of Tall Ferns shaping the future of the national program, Hippolite represents the next generation of Kiwi basketball talent.

    Her return to the Queens not only bolsters their roster but also adds leadership, skill, and a winning mentality that will be crucial in their quest for another successful season.

  • 2025 - NBL1 - Southern District Spartans

    2023.- Euroleague - Toulouse Métropole Basket

    2022-2023 - WNBL - Sydney Flames

    2021-2022 - Euroleague - Dynamo Moscow

    NCAA D1 - Syracuse University

    Playing in Aotearoa holds a deep personal meaning for Tiana, where each game on home soil is a tribute to her tīpuna, a connection she holds with immense pride and gratitude.

    Tiana Mangakahia is one of Australia’s most celebrated basketball talents, known for her fearless playmaking, dazzling court vision, and unwavering resilience.

    Rising through the junior ranks to represent Australia at the FIBA U19 World Championships, she quickly became a fixture in the green and gold, showcasing her ability to control tempo and create scoring opportunities against the world’s best.

    Her international career flourished further at Syracuse University in the United States, where she became one of the NCAA’s top assist leaders, earning multiple All-ACC honours and cementing her reputation as one of the finest point guards of her generation.

    Representing the Opals, she has brought her trademark creativity and composure to the international stage, inspiring fans with her leadership and flair.

    Domestically, Mangakahia has been a standout in the WNBL, particularly with the Sydney Flames, where her ability to dictate play and deliver under pressure has made her a fan favourite.

    She has consistently ranked among the league’s assist leaders, often orchestrating the offence with a blend of precision passing and fearless drives to the basket.

    Beyond the box score, her influence has extended to mentoring younger players and raising the profile of the women’s game across the country, contributing to the sport’s growing visibility and commercial appeal.

    Her journey, marked by extraordinary skill, competitive fire, and personal resilience, has elevated her to iconic status in Australian basketball.

    Overcoming significant health challenges to return to elite competition, Mangakahia’s story resonates far beyond the court, symbolising determination, hope, and the belief that no setback is insurmountable.

    Today, she stands as both a role model for aspiring athletes and a central figure in the continued growth and global recognition of both Australian and New Zealand women’s basketball.

  • 2025 - NBL1 Champions + All-Star 5 Selection (Knox Raiders)

    2024- Australian Opals | Paris Olympics

    2023-Present-WNBA - Indiana Fever

    2022-2024 - WNBL - Melbourne Boomers

    2022 - WNBA - Atlanta Dream

    2021-2022- WNBL - Southside Flyers

    2018-2020-WNBL - Canberra Capitals

    2014-2018 - NCAA D1 - Baylor University

    Kristy Wallace has carved out one of the most distinguished careers in modern women’s basketball.

    An Olympian who stood on the podium at the Paris Games, Wallace’s path has taken her from Australia’s WNBL to the high-intensity stage of the WNBA, where she has matched herself against the very best in the sport.

    Her medal in Paris is a symbol not only of her skill but of the resilience and competitive drive that have defined her journey.

    For fans and aspiring athletes, Wallace represents the rare blend of elite performance, leadership, and unshakable commitment to her craft.

    Now, New Zealand basketball fans are set to witness her talent first-hand. In a move that underscores both her passion for the game and her willingness to embrace new challenges, Wallace has committed to playing in New Zealand.

    Her presence will elevate the standard of competition and inspire young players across the country.

    To have an athlete of her calibre, a proven champion at the Olympic level, a seasoned WNBL star, and a battle-tested WNBA competitor step onto local courts is a moment that will be remembered for years to come.

    Wallace’s decision is more than a player signing; it is a statement. It signals the growing prestige of New Zealand basketball and offers a front-row seat to the type of excellence usually reserved for the world’s biggest stages.

    For the sport’s rising generation, this is an opportunity to learn from an athlete who has reached the summit of international competition and still seeks new ways to challenge herself and give back to the game.

  • 2024 - WNBL Champion - Southside Flyers

    2024 - NBL1 National Champion

    2024 - NBL1 Finals MVP & All Star Five

    2024 - NBL1 Conference Champion

    2022- Present - NBL1 Club - Waverley Falcons

    2020 - WNBL Champion - Southside Flyers

    2019 - WNBL All Star Five

    Rebecca Cole has become one of the most electrifying figures in Australian basketball, a player whose presence on the court guarantees a show.

    A cornerstone of the Australian Opals and a driving force in the nation’s 3X3 team, she plays with an infectious joy that draws fans in and keeps them hooked.

    Her game blends dazzling skill with a fierce competitive edge, and every possession feels like a moment where something special might happen.

    Whether slashing to the basket, knocking down a mid-range jumper, or creating chaos in transition, Cole embodies the kind of energy that turns ordinary matches into memorable spectacles.

    Her career is marked not just by points and wins, but by the way she lights up the sport. In the 3X3 format, where space is tight and speed is everything,

    Cole thrives as a playmaker and shot creator, reading the game with precision and attacking with fearless intent. In the Opals’ green and gold, she brings the same electricity, igniting runs and lifting teammates with her relentless spirit.

    Audiences do not just watch her play; they feel her game, the quick changes in pace, the expressive celebrations, the moments when she rallies a crowd to its feet.

    In an era where women’s basketball continues to grow in stature, Rebecca Cole stands out as one of its true entertainers.

    She is the player who embraces the spotlight, not for herself alone but for the joy of the sport and the fans who love it.

    Cole is more than an athlete; she is a reason to watch, cheer, and believe in the magic of the game.

    As of 2022, Rebecca is the Ambassador for Lymphoma Australia.

  • 2024-Present - New Zealand U16s

    2024-Present - Wellington U16 representative team

    2024 & 2025 - BBNZ National U16 Tournament team selection

    Nahala Toeleiu’s basketball journey is one of passion, potential, and performance.

    At just 16 years old, she has already carved her name into New Zealand’s basketball future, as well as becoming the ninth player from Queen Margaret College’s proud program to join the Queens this season.

    Recognised by Basketball NZ selectors for her talent, Nahala now stands as a senior member of the NZ U16 team in 2025, a remarkable achievement for someone so young.

    Born and raised in Melbourne, her love for the game was sparked by her father’s passion and sharpened on the courts of the famed Nunawading Basketball Club under the watchful guidance of Coach Paul Flynn.

    With her ability to score and the confidence she carries whenever the ball is in her hands, Nahala is already showing why she is one to watch.

    But for Nahala, this is only the beginning.

    Her exposure to the game at this level is all part of her bigger development plan. One built on growth, learning, and a deep hunger to improve.

    At the Queens, she is surrounded by experienced coaches and teammates, embracing every opportunity to learn from them.

    Coming from a basketball family, Nahala now finds herself part of an even larger one: the Queens community, united in purpose and driven by ambition.

    For young players across New Zealand, her story is an inspiring reminder that dedication, courage, and love for the game can open doors to extraordinary opportunities.

    Nahala Toeleiu isn’t just a rising star - she’s proof that the future of basketball is already here.

  • 2025 NBL1 South - First Team All Star Selection

    2025 NBL1 South - Best Rebounder of the Year & Top Points Scorer of the Year

    2023-2024 WNBL Champions - Southside Flyers

    2021-2022 WNBL Champions - Melbourne Boomers

    Lou Brown has carved out a reputation as one of the most dominant power forwards in the women’s game.

    A two-time WNBL champion, NBL1 First Team All-Selection, Top Points Scorer and Best Rebounder of the Year in 2025, Lou has built her career on consistent excellence and a relentless work ethic.

    A graduate of the University of Tennessee, where she cut her teeth in NCAA Division I competition, Brown’s game is defined by her strength in the paint, her physicality on both ends of the floor, and her remarkable ability to produce double-doubles night after night.

    Her power game and uncompromising tenacity make her a nightmare matchup for opponents, and her track record speaks to her ability to rise to every occasion.

    In 2024, she carried that energy into Tauihi, where she played a pivotal role in driving her team to a league finals appearance.

    Now returning to the Queens for her second season, Brown has become more than just a cornerstone of the roster - she is a true fan favourite in Wellington.

    Her team-first mentality and natural leadership bring stability and confidence to the group, while her championship pedigree and high-level international experience elevate those around her.

    For teammates, coaches, and fans alike, Lou embodies toughness, resilience, and and absolute grit. The very qualities that define champions.

  • 2024 - Tauihi League Defensive Player of the Year

    2023 - NZ 3X3 Champion & Tournament MVP

    2022 - Tauihi League Champion

    2019-2021 - WNBL - Melbourne Boomers

    2018-2019 - WNBL - Townsville Fire

    NZ Tall Ferns debut in 2013

    Stella Beck stands as one of Aotearoa’s most resolute basketball figures. A Tall Fern who embodies both pride and defiance in equal measure.

    From her days as an NCAA Division I standout with the Saint Mary’s Gaels, where she built her reputation as a versatile, relentless competitor, Beck has carved out a legacy that is unmistakably Kiwi.

    She represents a generation unafraid to challenge expectations, carrying the mana of our national women’s program into every arena she steps into. For her, the Silver Fern isn’t just stitched on a jersey > it’s stitched into her being.

    As a stalwart of the Tall Ferns, Beck has been more than a player; she’s been a standard-bearer. Her presence on court blends grit with grace, showing younger athletes that leadership isn’t only about words, but about consistently turning up, playing hard, and holding the line for the black singlet.

    She has taken that same ethos into the professional game at home, becoming a three-time captain of the Queens, where she has led the franchise to three consecutive grand finals.

    That record is no accident. It’s the mark of someone who rallies people, who knows how to navigate pressure, and who refuses to settle for anything less than the sharp edge of excellence.

    Beck is a leader in her own way, uncompromising, unshaken, and unafraid to push back against the idea that New Zealand basketball should play small on the world stage.

    She represents the proud, independent spirit of Kiwi athletes who know they can shape the game rather than simply play it.

    Her journey is proof that icons aren’t built by conformity, but by courage and that’s what makes Stella Beck one of Aotearoa’s most inspiring figures in basketball.

  • 2023 - NZ Tall Ferns Asia Cup

    2022 - Tauihi Champion

    2018 - NZ Tall Ferns Commonwealth Games Bronze Medalist

    2017 & 2018 Big V State Champions

    2012-2016 NCAA Div 1 Athlete - Colgate University

    2014-2023 - NZ Tall Ferns

    Josie Trousdell embodies the spirit of resilience and pride that defines the Tall Ferns legacy.

    An Original Queens player and former Melbourne Boomer, she has always been known for her competitive edge - an athlete whose tenacity, shot-blocking presence, and competitive reliability shine brightest in the pressure moments of a game.

    For years, she has stood as a dependable figure on the court, anchoring her teams with a blend of strength and composure that inspires teammates and challenges opponents.

    Now, as she returns to the game as both a proud Tall Fern and a mother, her story takes on even deeper meaning.

    Josie represents the strength of athletes who embrace motherhood without stepping away from their passion, proving that the two roles can stand proudly side by side.

    For fans, her return is not just a comeback - it’s a celebration of perseverance, balance, and commitment to the game she loves.

    Every block, every rebound, and every moment she spends competing again is a reminder that the journey of an athlete does not end with motherhood, but can be made even richer by it.

    This is a proud moment for all athletes, and fans should be excited to witness her next chapter.

  • 2025 - NBL1 - Joondalup Wolves (Perth)

    2023-2024 - Dodge City College (USA)

    2022-2023 - University of Auburn Montgomery (USA)

    2022 - NZ Junior Tall Ferns (Asia Cup)

    Jyordanna Davey is one of New Zealand basketball’s bright young prospects, a homegrown talent who has already represented her country proudly at the junior international level.

    Standing at six feet tall, Davey’s versatility as a small forward gives her the ability to impact games at both ends of the floor, combining length, athleticism, and skill.

    Her journey has taken her across the Tasman, where she is currently competing in the NBL1 league in Australia, sharpening her game against seasoned competition and continuing to elevate her standard of play.

    Now, Davey returns to the Tauihi league, determined to take the next step in her development and gain valuable exposure at the professional level.

    Her presence adds to the growing depth of young Kiwi athletes using Tauihi as a launchpad to bigger opportunities, both at home and abroad.

    For Davey, this season is not only about proving herself on the court, but also about showing the next generation of New Zealand players what it looks like to chase excellence, seize opportunities, and represent their community with pride.


  • Briarley Rogers has carved her own path in basketball while carrying forward the legacy of a strong basketball family.

    A proud product of Tauranga Basketball Association, she has worn the Tauranga colours at every representative level, building a game defined by both skill and determination.

    Her journey took her to the United States college system, where she grew her game against top-level competition and showcased her ability to score both from deep and around the rim.

    That experience sharpened her reputation as a reliable long-range shooter who can stretch the floor and punish defenses inside with equal effectiveness.

    Off the court, Rogers is equally determined. Currently studying Law, she exemplifies the balance of academic ambition and athletic excellence.

    Her drive in the classroom mirrors the same focus she brings to the hardwood, making her a role model for young athletes aspiring to balance both worlds.

    As a Junior Tall Fern, her versatility, competitive spirit, and Tauranga roots reflect the best of New Zealand basketball, showing that with talent, work ethic, and a strong foundation, she has the tools to make an enduring impact on the women’s game.

  • 2023-Present - NBL1 Australia

    2021 - Germany Pro Women’s League

    NCAA Div 1 - Boise State University

    • BSU all-time leader in 3-pointers made (350)

    • 3x All-Mountain West Team

    • 3x Academic All-Mountain West Conference

    • Mountain West Conference Scholar-Athlete Award

    • Mountain West Conference Tournament Most Outstanding Player 2018

    • Mountain West All-Freshman Team 2017

    Riley Lupfer has been lighting up the court in 2025 with her performances for Albury in the NBL1, reminding fans across Australia what makes her such a unique offensive weapon.

    The American guard is known for her silky left-hand stroke and her ability to find rhythm quickly in games, often shifting the momentum with her perimeter shooting and confident floor spacing.

    Over the past five years, Lupfer has built a reputation as a steady contributor who thrives in pressure moments, balancing her scoring instincts with smart decision-making that elevates her teammates.

    That consistency is what makes her arrival in the Tauihi league such an exciting prospect. After carving out her place in Australia, Lupfer now brings her experience and high-percentage shooting to New Zealand, where her left-hand specialty promises to add a fresh dimension to the competition.

    Her energy on and off the court has been infectious, and her journey shows both resilience and growth as a professional.

    Fans can expect a player who not only understands how to deliver in crunch time but also carries genuine enthusiasm for being part of the league’s next chapter.