Toronto (Europe Brief News) – Canada Basketball appointed Nell Fortner with her extensive experience in NCAA, WNBA, and international basketball, to lead the senior women’s national team as its new head coach, according to Monday’s announcement.
Canada Basketball made its decision to hire Fortner following the team’s unsuccessful performance during Víctor Lapeña’s term as coach at the 2024 Paris Olympics. With extensive experience from the U.S. women’s basketball team winning Sydney gold in 2000 and FIBA World Championship gold in 1998, Fortner arrives as Canadian national team leader.
What does Fortner’s hiring mean for Canada’s program?
Head coach Nell Fortner, who has led the team since her retirement this summer, has six years of coaching experience at Georgia Tech. She will take over from a squad that needs to rebuild its roster, which includes several key retiring veterans. The National team selection happens during times when 25 players sign up to play for the 2026 FIBA World Cup.
“I’m honored to join Canada Basketball and help lead this next chapter,”
Fortner said.
“This is a special group with the talent, toughness and togetherness to achieve something great.”
The national team’s coach was appointed just as 25 players made their commitment for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup competition. In November, players and staff established team standards around commitment, accountability and culture, as reported by TSN.
“This commitment represents a shared belief in what we’re building and how we intend to get there,”
said Steve Baur, general manager and vice president of women’s high performance.
“Our athletes set a clear tone for this next chapter, and we’re proud to see that vision backed by such a strong group of players.”
The Canadian national team obtained fourth position at the 2022 World Cup before participating in the FIBA AmeriCup this summer, followed by a training camp in Victoria during the fall.
