North Gold Coast Seahawks Appoint Brayden Heslehurst as NBL1 Women’s Head Coach

The North Gold Coast Seahawks are proud to announce the appointment of Brayden Heslehurst as Head Coach of the Seahawks NBL1 Women’s program, marking a significant milestone in the club’s return to the NBL1 North competition in 2026.

Heslehurst brings over a decade of senior coaching experience and an outstanding record in player development and program building. He spent six seasons as Head Coach of the Logan Thunder NBL1 Women, leading them to the NBL1 North Championship in 2021, multiple finals appearances, and an undefeated regular season in 2022. At Logan, his leadership placed a strong emphasis on local talent development, with most of his teams featuring players nurtured through the club’s junior system.

Beyond NBL1, Heslehurst has contributed to the Bendigo Spirit’s WNBL coaching staff, served as Head Coach of the Queensland Under-20 Women, and played a key role in Basketball Queensland’s State Performance Program.

Renowned for fostering inclusive, high-performance environments, Heslehurst prioritises culture, accountability, and player pathways, values that align with the Seahawks’ long-term vision.

“I’m really excited to join the Seahawks and help build an NBL1 program from the ground up—creating a legitimate pathway for juniors to progress into senior basketball. The Seahawks are a sleeping giant, especially in junior girls’ basketball, and I believe we can develop the program into a northern powerhouse. There’s a lot of work ahead, but I’m excited for the journey.”

General Manager Steve McLeod welcomed Heslehurst, emphasising his alignment with the club’s philosophy of developing local talent and building sustainable success: “Brayden’s record speaks for itself—he’s built winning programs, mentored young athletes and coaches, and demonstrated a deep commitment to culture and development. He’s exactly the leader we want as we re-enter the NBL1 era.”

The Seahawks’ women’s program will officially begin NBL1 preparations in 2025, incorporating open scrimmages, development sessions, and community engagement in the lead-up to the club’s 2026 return.