Meet the Newcomers: Q&A with Alleah Hanson
August 18, 2026 | Women's Basketball
#15 Alleah Hanson
Year: Freshman
Height: 6-2
Position: Forward
Hometown: Brisbane, Australia
High School: Brisbane State HS
Major: Undeclared
Alleah Hanson led Brisbane State High School to back-to-back Australian School Championships as a junior and senior. In 2024, she also won the U18 Queensland State Championship with the Logan Thunder, while she was a member of the U20 Queensland team that advanced to the final of the 2025 Australian National Championship. In addition, Hanson took home gold with her junior national team at the 2022 FIBA U15 Women's Oceania Championship.
How did you get started playing basketball?
I started playing basketball with my sister. My parents knew we were going to be tall and they wanted us to be in a team environment where height was valued and useful in the sport.
When did you realize you wanted to pursue basketball at the collegiate level?
Through Australia, when I started making state teams and other opportunities as they came each year, I realized this sport can take me to different places. Being on the other side of the world is a crazy experience so I definitely wanted to take that opportunity.
Who has been the biggest inspiration in your basketball career?
I would say my sister (Summah). She's on the team as well and a big reason for me coming here. She is a really hard worker and I've always looked up to her.
How would you describe your playing style to fans who have never seen you play before?
I would say I'm pretty athletic for a big; I can get up and down the floor. I love setting screens, rolling for my teammates, and finding them opportunities, but also capitalizing on rebounds and putbacks.
Why did you choose UC Irvine?
The campus here is amazing and the coaches are incredible. Coming to America is such an awesome opportunity and being on the West Coast is another plus. It's very similar weather-wise to Australia, so it makes me feel like I'm home. Even the little things like the trees around here are the same as home.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
I'm looking forward to game days. I love game days around the team and it's such a professional environment, so it's going to be fun.
What is your favorite thing about Irvine so far?
Definitely the weather. Being so close to the beach and living with people you are training with is so much fun. It's like built-in best friends.
Year: Freshman
Height: 6-2
Position: Forward
Hometown: Brisbane, Australia
High School: Brisbane State HS
Major: Undeclared
Alleah Hanson led Brisbane State High School to back-to-back Australian School Championships as a junior and senior. In 2024, she also won the U18 Queensland State Championship with the Logan Thunder, while she was a member of the U20 Queensland team that advanced to the final of the 2025 Australian National Championship. In addition, Hanson took home gold with her junior national team at the 2022 FIBA U15 Women's Oceania Championship.
How did you get started playing basketball?
I started playing basketball with my sister. My parents knew we were going to be tall and they wanted us to be in a team environment where height was valued and useful in the sport.
When did you realize you wanted to pursue basketball at the collegiate level?
Through Australia, when I started making state teams and other opportunities as they came each year, I realized this sport can take me to different places. Being on the other side of the world is a crazy experience so I definitely wanted to take that opportunity.
Who has been the biggest inspiration in your basketball career?
I would say my sister (Summah). She's on the team as well and a big reason for me coming here. She is a really hard worker and I've always looked up to her.
How would you describe your playing style to fans who have never seen you play before?
I would say I'm pretty athletic for a big; I can get up and down the floor. I love setting screens, rolling for my teammates, and finding them opportunities, but also capitalizing on rebounds and putbacks.
Why did you choose UC Irvine?
The campus here is amazing and the coaches are incredible. Coming to America is such an awesome opportunity and being on the West Coast is another plus. It's very similar weather-wise to Australia, so it makes me feel like I'm home. Even the little things like the trees around here are the same as home.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
I'm looking forward to game days. I love game days around the team and it's such a professional environment, so it's going to be fun.
What is your favorite thing about Irvine so far?
Definitely the weather. Being so close to the beach and living with people you are training with is so much fun. It's like built-in best friends.
Players Mentioned
Forward
/ Women's BasketballTuesday, August 18
Friday, August 14
Tuesday, August 11
Friday, August 07
