Sport, Health & Wellbeing
On and off the court: how ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ Caps players Abby Solway and Jayda Clark are shaping their futures
For ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ Capitals players Abby Solway and Jayda Clark, life is lived between fast breaks and assignment due dates.
The rising stars are pursuing their sporting dreams in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) while also studying at ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ – a balancing act that requires discipline and determination.
Abby: Leading with drive and determination
A proud Canberra local, Abby has grown up with the ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ Capitals as a source of inspiration, attending games as a young fan before becoming one of the players signing posters at the end of the night. Now, she’s studying a Bachelor of Communication, discovering another passion beyond basketball.
“I was at the end of Year 12 and didn’t really know what I wanted to do. The career opportunities that come from communications seemed appealing to me,” she says.
“Whether it’s sports journalism, international relations, travel or private sector comms – I just like the diversity and the idea of not being pigeonholed in one career or niche area.”
The third-year student is already a media pro – through her sporting career, she’s navigating the ever-growing world of women’s sport publicity. It’s taught her valuable lessons and given her a glimpse at what life after basketball could look like, when she’s on the other side of the mic.
Women’s basketball continues to break barriers – but Abby is honest about the realities that remain.
“It’s a bit of a balancing act. We pour in the same full-time energy and dedication as any professional, but the financial side of things doesn’t always reflect that,” she says.
“So we sometimes have to juggle extra work and study to prepare for what comes next beyond sport.”
She credits her close-knit family for keeping her grounded, whether they’re cheering from the stands or reminding her to take a breath.
“My family is really supportive. They’re a good outlet if I need time to switch my brain off from uni or basketball.”
Jayda: Coaching the next generation
Growing up in Perth, Jayda was the kind of kid who didn’t just play sport – she lived for it.
Her journey to the ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ Capitals saw her compete came through years of state-level competition and dedicated training, before eventually moving to Canberra to study and train at the Centre of Excellence when she was 15.
Her passion naturally found a new home in her studies: a Bachelor of Secondary Teaching (Health and Physical Education).
“Sports has always been a big thing for me, and I’ve always enjoyed interacting with kids of all age levels through that, so I chose to study secondary teaching in physical education,” Jayda says.
“I’ve always had a passion for coaching and teaching.”
Her experiences on the court have only strengthened that calling. She loves the idea of giving young athletes confidence, especially girls who are just discovering what sport can mean for them.
But like many professional athletes, Jayda is acutely aware of the risks: contracts are seasonal, opportunities ... unpredictable.
“I think it’s so important to have a plan for life after basketball, so I was very grateful when I was given the opportunity to study as well as play,” she says.
There have been injuries in her sporting family’s past, and those lessons also influenced her decision to study. Jayda’s dad, a former professional AFL player, instilled these lessons in her early.
“My dad is huge on having a backup. You just never know what can happen,” she says.
For now, Jayda is pacing herself, choosing part-time study so she can excel in both environments. ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ’s Elite Athlete Program – and the Capitals – have been a major support in this journey.
“I’m just taking my time with it and trying not to put too much pressure on myself, so I’m only doing part-time study,” she says.
“The Elite Athlete Program is pretty good, and we also have great support from the Caps – they actually encourage players to study.”
Her big dream? To teach, coach, and inspire. And continue to prove what young women in sport can achieve.
Lifting others as they rise
Both Abby and Jayda know they’re playing their part in something bigger: a movement pushing women’s sport toward the recognition and investment it deserves. They hope their decisions will pave smoother pathways for the next generation of female athletes.
As Abby puts it, progress is happening – but not fast enough for women to rely on sport alone.
“You still do need to stretch yourself thin, and work part-time or full-time. Hopefully we can make it better for the next generation,” she says.
Together, Abby and Jayda are driving that momentum for change – not just with points and rebounds, but with lectures attended, assignments submitted, and eventually, solid futures being built.
Words by Elly Mackay, photos by ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ Media and supplied.