CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand – It is with great excitement that we welcome back 19-year-old guard Kavanah Lene to the ProBuild ITM Mainland Pouākai!
A Christchurch local and a graduate of St. Andrew’s College, Lene logged her first minutes of Tauihi basketball back in 2023, appearing in 2 games for the Pouākai. She returns to the team for the 2025 season after a year abroad in the United States.
“I’m feeling super excited to rejoin the Pouakai this year,” said Lene. “With Alex coaching us, leading the champs of the 2024 season, it’s a great opportunity to learn from him and be coached by someone at such a high calibre.”
“I also think it’s such a good opportunity to play and train alongside players with so much experience from all different levels all over the world, as well as playing with girls from Christchurch. It’s so cool to have a home grown team.”
“Kavanah is an exciting two-way player who competes hard on both ends of the floor,” said Head Coach Alex Stojkovic. “She’s physical, athletic, and brings a real edge defensively. What stands out right away is her energy, toughness, and willingness to do the little things—she brings great intensity to the game.”
A product of the Mainland Eagles Academy, Lene played for the Junior Tall Ferns at the 2023 FIBA U17 Oceania Championship and the 2024 FIBA U18 Asia Cup, the former of which saw her post averages 15.2 points and 5.4 rebounds en route to making the tournament All-Star Five.
“Kavanah has come through the Mainland Eagles programme, which is something we’re really proud to support,” said Stojkovic. “She’s a local talent, a former St Andrew’s College student, and someone who’s chosen to trust the pathway here in Christchurch. It’s important to us that Pouākai provides a platform for local players to develop and contribute—and Kavanah fits that vision perfectly.”
On her time with the Academy, Lene said, “I think the Eagles Academy does a really good job preparing athletes for the Tauihi League. Training 3 times a week as well as S&C alongside those sessions replicate the weekly schedule of an athlete playing for Pouākai quite well. Being trained by the strength and conditioning coaches that work with the Pouakai and Rams is a pretty amazing opportunity to have.”
Following High School, Lene was recruited by the University of Montana, with Head Coach Brian Holsinger praising her international experience and her versatility, saying, “She can do a little bit of everything. Her all-around ability is really high-level.”
“I’m really excited to grow my IQ playing with girls with such great experience from WNBA to WNBL, EuroLeague and also girls who are currently representing NZ for Tall Ferns,” added Lene. “I’m looking forward to learning from them and making the most of being in a team filled with such knowledgeable and accomplished players.”
Stojkovic spoke on the development value of the team’s international experience, adding, “She’s one of our development players, and we see this as a great opportunity for her to grow within our environment.”
“Her experience with New Zealand age-group national teams and a season at Montana has laid a great foundation, and now she’s chosen to return home and continue her development through the Pouākai. We’re excited to support her progress.”
Pouākai season memberships are available now! Fly Fearless with us in 2025 as we chase our first-ever Tauihi championship!
2025 ProBuild ITM Mainland Pouākai: Charlotte Whittaker, Taylor Mikesell, McKenna Dale, Abigail Fogg, Marena Whittle, Morgan Yaeger, Leilani Correa, Kavanah Lene.
