Tasmania JackJumpers contemplate hiring the NBL’s first female head coach.
Sandy Brondello, the Opals’ coach, has expressed excitement that the Tasmania JackJumpers may hire the NBL’s first female head coach.
Tasmania JackJumpers CEO Simon Brookhouse has announced that he will consider hiring the NBL’s first female head coach for the franchise’s inaugural season, a move that Opals coach Sandy Brondello has praised.
It comes as the JackJumpers conduct a global search for their first head coach for the 2021-2022 season.
Brookhouse stated that the franchise will recruit the greatest applicant for the job, including considering basketball’s top female coaches.
“We will get the best, whether it is male or female,” Brookhouse declared.
“We are not ruling out the potential that a woman could be the best choice.
“There are some outstanding female coaches out there, so as a club, we are willing to go through the process with anyone.
“Australia is a very appealing destination for players and coaches right now, and the NBL is one of the best leagues in the world outside of the NBA.”
“This is also a great opportunity for the right leader to help build a club and its culture from the beginning and join the JackJumpers for this exciting journey.
When contacted on Wednesday, Brondello was pleased to hear Brookhouse’s statements regarding perhaps appointing a female head coach.
She is concentrating on the Opals’ 2021 Olympic and 2022 World Cup campaigns, as well as the WNBA with the Phoenix Mercury, but she has not ruled out coaching in the men’s ranks.
“Never say never,” Brondello replied.
“If the opportunity to coach the men arose in the future, I would certainly consider it.
“At the moment, however, I have the best two jobs in the world, with the Opals and the Mercury, and that is my priority.
“But I think it is great that the Tasmania CEO is actually considering a woman and are saying it publicly – that is a good step in the right direction.”
Brondello believes the NBL has a significant opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the NBA, which presently employs ten female assistant coaches.
“If a woman can actually get an interview for an NBL head coach role that would be truly groundbreaking in Australia,” she was quoted as saying.
“It is happening in the NBA now with 10 full-time female assistant coaches.”
