By Taylor McKee
On March 25, the University of Calgary women’s basketball head coach Damian Jennings was named head coach of Great Britain’s national women’s team for the 2013 Eurobasket tournament in France from June 15–30.
Jennings had just been named Canada West coach of the year in his first season with the Dinos, leading the team to the CW finals and a fourth-place finish in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport Final Eight in Regina on March 17.
“We’re so proud that Damian has been given this opportunity,” said Dinos athletic director Ron Wuotila in a press release. “He is one of the most driven, hardworking coaches I have had the pleasure to work with and he fully deserves this chance.”
Jennings has worked with Great Britain basketball since its inception in 2006. Jennings has previously coached Great Britain’s women’s under-20 team, University Games team and senior national team. He enjoyed success coaching at this level, leading Great Britain to a European Division B title in 2010 and a Division A quarter-final appearance in 2011 — the best-ever finish for Great Britain. Jennings was also a member of Great Britain’s coaching staff for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
The Eurobasket tournament is held every two years and includes the top basketball talent from all over Europe. The tournament dates back to 1938 with Russia —including the Soviet Union — being the most successful nation of all time with 21 gold medals. Russia are also the defending champions, defeating Turkey 52–42 in the 2011 final. Great Britain has never medaled in the 75-year history of the tournament.
This appointment will not affect Jennings’s commitment to the U of C, as he will return to the Dinos in July to resume his coaching duties. Great Britain and Jennings will begin the Eurobasket tournament on June 15 in Vannes, France with a match against Serbia.