SYDNEY — Sandy Brondello is poised to extend her tenure with Australia’s women’s basketball team, the Opals, by coaching them through to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. This marks her commitment to a seventh Olympic journey with the national team.
Brondello’s impressive achievements include steering the Opals to a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics last year, while simultaneously leading the New York Liberty to a WNBA championship in October. Her Olympic experience dates back to her playing days, as she competed in the 1988, 1996, 2000, and 2004 Games before taking on the coaching mantle in 2017. Since her appointment, she has led the team through both the Tokyo and Paris Olympics.
In a recent statement, Brondello expressed her deep connection and pride in being part of the Opals, saying, “Having represented at six Olympics as a player and now coach, the Opals are such a big part of my life and one that I am most proud of. Working with such motivated and talented athletes is a joy, and the success we have achieved is a testament to the broader team that makes up the Opals.”
In preparation for her WNBA commitments, Basketball Australia has named Paul Goriss as the associate head coach. Goriss will take on the lead role in managing the program during Brondello’s absence for the WNBA season.
