Reilly, 20, recently attended an open trial in Canberra to showcase her skills in front of UC Capitals and Australian Opals coach Paul Goriss.

Capitals had their 10-player roster selected and needed to fill the three development positions. Reilly was offered her development player spot immediately at the end of the trial session.

Driving 400km south down the freeway with no expectations, Reilly said she thought to herself "I may as well give it a shot, if I don't go now, I'm never going to know".

This level of commitment impressed the coaches.

"I liked how she competes, she competes really hard. She can shoot the ball really well. The thing that stuck out for me was her love for the game," Goriss said.

"She loves playing the game and wants to get better. It's a no brainer to take someone who is that committed but also who is talented, to give them an opportunity."

Another stamp of approval came from UC Capitals assistant coach and Canberra Nationals head coach Jenny Lonergan who gave Goriss a glowing report from what she had seen of Reilly during the Waratah season of both her talent and her character.

Goriss said training each day with experienced players like Kia Nurse, Maddy Rocci, and Keely Froling is going to improve Reilly's game considerably.

"She wants to get better and take this opportunity with both hands and I think she will come out the end of this WNBL season a better player and ready to take the next step."

UC Capitals are coming off a championship-winning season and Goriss is hoping to make it back-to-back.

"Once we get together we will have a team meeting and discuss our goals. I'm sure the top of our priority list is to go back to back but that is easier said than done," he said.

"There will be seven other teams with the same goal in mind and everyone has retooled and got better from last season but I think we have the talent and the group to make the top four then go from there."

As a development player Reilly will be training each day. If it's not team training it'll be shooting practice, conditioning, or skills training.

She will be joined by Canberra Nationals players Pyper Thornberry and Maddy Wheatley.

Reilly has represented NSW at National Junior Championships as well as playing NSW Waratah League for Maitland.

Lonergan said Reilly had a good season in the Waratah League with some outstanding performances and will bring a competitive edge to practice every day.

"I have watched all three development players over the past few years as they have competed in numerous Australian junior championships representing their home states and territories," she said.

"It is fantastic for Shakera Reilly to join our team as development players after strong performances in the Waratah league and as part of the Australian under 19's Gems team respectively."

Reilly intends to make the most out of the opportunity and gain as much as she can.

"I want to go and prove myself," she said.

Since being offered the role Reilly spent a week in Canberra securing an apartment, having job interviews, and getting some preseason games and training under her belt with her new team.

"In the trial games, it was so cool coming off the court and high-fiving teammates like Kelsey Griffin and Marianna Tolo. I was fan-girling because they're so amazing and I've followed them on television." Reilly. said.

"They're all beautiful people, really genuine, they're all really helpful."

Reilly is a great role model to the juniors at Maitland Mustangs and it seems that will carry on to her new home of Canberra.

"We had a family day for all the juniors there. A little kid came up and asked me to sign their ball, it's never happened to me before. I was just taking all that in, it pretty cool," she said.

Consistency, commitment and high regard for her fitness have helped Reilly reach her potential in Maitland under supportive coaches Russell Potter and Mark Wawszkowicz.

This week sees Reilly relocating to Canberra permanently to be with her new team and to begin her next chapter as a professional basketball player.

"Mum and Dad are so proud! I have the best family, they're so happy for me," she said.

"I'll miss my family and the stadium. Just walking in and everyone knows you, I'll miss that. I'm looking forward to a fresh start, a whole new part of my life."

The Capitals open their season on October 13 at home against Adelaide