Huskies basketball coach leads national team to Olympics

The Canadian women’s basketball team is headed to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and a local connection has been a big part of their success.

Head coach Lisa Thomaidis splits her time between the national team and the University of Saskatchewan Huskies.

It’s been a busy few months, and she still has a long road ahead of her: Canada West playoffs start next Thursday, and the Olympics kick off in late July.

“It’s been a lot of work, it’s a lot of hours putting the time in and connecting with the athletes, and making sure we’re doing absolutely everything we can to put this team where it deserves to be,” she told 650 CKOM.

Though she still sees room for improvement, she’s glad for the progress they’ve made. The FIBA Rankings currently have Canada slotted in as the fourth-best team in the world.

“It’s amazing to see the growth of our team and how it has ascended through the international ranks… it’s been really special to be a part of,” she said.

In the London 2012 Olympics, Canada placed 8th. They improved to 7th in Rio De Janeiro in 2016. Now, Thomaidis hopes to break new ground.

“We’re going to be on the podium, that’s definitely the goal.”