Munger Takes Once in a Lifetime Opportunity

Newcastle Falcons’ import Nicole Munger has reflected on the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that the NBL1 has provided her. 

Munger made the move to Australia after college, and joined the Falcons in their inaugural NBL1 season. She was a superstar of the competition, scoring a league-record 53 points and taking the Falcons to the first round of the NBL1 East Finals. 

After impressing in her debut season, she was offered a training contract with the WNBL's UC Capitals, not expecting to quickly find herself in a starting spot on the team.

“I was going over on a training contract, so I was pretty much just going to be in training. The week that I went over I actually got an offer from another team in Spain,” Munger said on the The NBL1 Show.

“I didn’t tell the Spanish team that I was coming but I told them we need to talk.

“I let Vealy [Capitals coach Kristen Veal] know, I said, hey coach I needed to call you, we need to have a conversation, and I told her I was going to Spain. She said listen just come up and train with us tomorrow. I got up there and she said we’ve had a spot open up, if you want it, it’s all yours.” 

Veal presented Munger with the opportunity to play in the WNBL last season and she took full advantage, averaging 12 points per game in 31.4 minutes per contest.

“It was an experience of a lifetime last year...credit to a lot of my teammates and the coaching staff at the Caps (UC Capitals). I didn’t know what I was in for but it was a rollercoaster and they helped me get there every day,” Munger said.

“I was working here in the stadium on a Wednesday, and the next Wednesday I was in Adelaide suiting up to play Steph Talbot (WNBL Adelaide Lightning) and the Lightning.

“Never did I expect it and to have a starting spot, didn’t expect that at all. Really my main reflection is being thankful.”

Munger has been involved with the Newcastle community since she first moved. She coaches the U16 juniors, teaching them important leadership skills following her experience as a team captain at the University of Michigan in 2022.

Since moving to Australia, Munger has found a home in Newcastle and with the Falcons. She praised her teammates and coaching staff, and revealed she “fell in love” with the community she now lives with.

“Being in Newcastle I fell in love with the community, I fell in love with the people and Australia. I’m so blessed with the people around me and for giving me a chance,” Munger said.

“When I came back for NBL1 this year, it was really just a reunion and I was really thankful. I got to see a lot of people that helped me get to Canberra last and live that dream.”

Watch Munger and the Falcons play the Central Coast Crusaders in the NBL1 East Kayo Freebies Game of the Week at 5:00 pm AEST here. 

Feautre image via: Grant Sproule