Fresh from a career-best year in 2024, Sandy Brondello has recommitted to coaching the Seven Consulting Opals through to the Los Angeles Olympics.
Last August, Brondello guided Australia to a bronze medal in Paris, returning the Opals to the Olympic podium for the first time in 12 years, then on return to the WNBA was the mastermind of New York Liberty’s inaugural championship in October.
During an epic Finals series against Minnesota Lynx that went to a deciding fifth game, she coached her 38th Play-Off win and in doing so moved to second in WNBA history for Play-Off wins coached.
The Los Angeles Games will represent a remarkable seventh Olympics for Brondello who played in four (1988, 1996, 2000, 2004) and would later head coach at three campaigns (2020, 2024, 2028).
Brondello, who was first appointed Head Coach of the Opals in 2017, said she was thrilled to lead the women’s national program into an exciting new era.
“Coaching the Australian Opals is an honour, I never take the responsibility lightly. Having represented at six Olympics as a player and now coach, the Opals is such a big part of my life and one that I am most proud of,” she said.
“Having the pleasure to work with such motivated and talented athletes is such a joy and the success that we have had is such a testament to the wider team who make up the Opals. I look forward to continuing as Head Coach until Los Angeles in 2028 and I’m thankful to be entrusted with this responsibility.
“The Opals long success is unprecedented, we know our competition is improving rapidly so we won’t be resting on our laurels, there is work to be done and I know that I speak for the entire Opals team, let’s get this.”
Basketball Australia Executive General Manager, High Performance Jason Smith said Brondello was at the top of her game.
“We are delighted to re-appoint Sandy through to the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, her success on the global stage is well documented for the Opals and in the WNBA,” he said.
“Following a decorated playing career, Sandy has cemented herself as one of the most successful women’s basketball coaches globally and we are fortunate to have her at the helm of the Opals for another four years.
“We have some exceptional talent coming through our pathways, the future looks very bright as we work towards continued podium success.”
Following the bronze-medal success in Paris, Australia rose to No.2 in the FIBA Women’s World Rankings.
Paul Goriss has been appointed Associate Head Coach, leading the program when Brondello has WNBA commitments, with the coaching panel also featuring Shannon Seebohm, Cheryl Chambers, Kristi Harrower and Renae Garlepp.
