Mikaela Dombkins

Mikaela Jayne Dombkins (born 1 August 1986) is an Australian professional basketball player and coach. She played 11 seasons in the Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) between 2003 and 2016. She currently serves as an assistant coach with the Bendigo Spirit of the WNBL.

Early life Dombkins was born in Newcastle, New South Wales. She played her junior basketball for the Maitland Mustangs.

Professional career Australian Institute of Sport (2003–2006) Dombkins came to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) on a scholarship when she was 16. She played for the AIS WNBL team in the WNBL between 2003 and 2006. She endured knee and foot injuries during her time at the AIS. In October 2005, she scored 24 points against the Perth Lynx.

Sydney Uni Flames (2006–2008) For the 2006–07 WNBL season, Dombkins joined the Sydney Uni Flames. She played two positions for the team, guard and forward. She did not make her debut for the Thunder

Return to Sydney (2009–2011) Dombkins returned to the Sydney Uni Flames for the 2009–10 WNBL season. She missed the entire 2010–11 season with another back injury which almost ended her career. There were some concerns by team management about her potential performance ability because of the previous back injuries. She recorded 11 points and eight rebounds in her debut for the Capitals. In November 2012 against Sydney, she had 14 points and eight rebounds and was named player of the match.

Adelaide Lightning (2015–2016) In July 2015, after two seasons out of the league, Dombkins signed with the Adelaide Lightning for the 2015–16 WNBL season.

Off-season stints In 2007, Dombkins played for the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles in the Waratah League. She continued on in the Waratah League with the Maitland Mustangs in 2008. In 2009, she played for the Sandringham Sabres in the South East Australian Basketball League (SEABL). She continued on in the SEABL for the Frankston Blues in 2010. In 2011, she returned for a season with the Maitland Mustangs. In 2012, she played for the Canberra Nationals in the SEABL. She returned to the Sandringham Sabres in 2014. Between 2019 and 2021, she played for the Newcastle Hunters and won a Waratah League championship in 2019. She finished the 2021 season with the Mackay Meteorettes of the NBL1 North. and at the Under 21 World Championship for Women in Russia in 2007, where the team won silver.

Coaching career In November 2021, Dombkins joined the Bendigo Spirit as an assistant coach for the 2021–22 WNBL season.

Personal life After rupturing a disc in her back in 2010 forced her to take a break from basketball, she returned to modelling. She has appeared in Cleo magazine, Handle magazine and the Australian men's magazine Alpha. She earned a diploma in fashion design, and has specialised in designing her own swim wear.

Dombkins' partner is former WNBA player Leilani Mitchell.