Mike Thibault, a former coach in the WNBA, has been appointed as the head coach of the Belgian women’s national basketball team.
At 74 years old, Thibault will replace Rachid Meziane, who has moved on to lead the Connecticut Sun.
According to national team general manager Koen Umans, “Mike Thibault is a fantastic coach and he aligns perfectly with what we envisioned for our team.
He has demonstrated throughout his career that he is a true winner and can provide the additional motivation a team needs.
His vast experience at the highest levels of the sport and outstanding management skills will be invaluable.
He also integrates seamlessly into our current culture and structure.”

The Belgian national team, known as the Belgian Cats, faced a tough loss against Australia in the bronze medal match during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Inheriting a seasoned roster that includes stars like Emma Meesseman, Julie Vanloo, and Julie Allemand, Thibault brings with him extensive experience from his time as an assistant with USA Basketball, where he contributed to gold medal victories in the 2004 and 2008 Olympics.
His coaching career in the WNBA spanned from 2003 to 2022, leading teams in Connecticut and Washington.
After taking on the general manager role for the Mystics in 2023, he parted ways with the team following the last season.

Thibault’s immediate focus will be on qualifying for next year’s World Cup in Germany.
He expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “I am honored to be the new coach of the Cats.
The remarkable growth of this team is acknowledged and respected globally, and I feel privileged to have witnessed it firsthand.
This squad consists of key players who are currently at the peak of their careers, and I am excited about competing for honors in the upcoming years.
I will dedicate myself to maximizing the potential of this exceptional group.”