Nell Fortner isn’t done with coaching just yet.
This week, Canadian basketball announced the appointment of the 66-year-old as the head coach of the senior women’s national team. Fortner, who recently retired from her role at Georgia Tech, is set to return to the sidelines soon.
This isn’t Fortner’s first experience in international basketball, though. She coached Team USA during the 2000 Olympics, leading them to gold medals. Over four years, from 1997 to 2000, she boasted an impressive record of 101 wins to just 14 losses.
With this new role, she’ll have the opportunity to coach against the United States at the upcoming 2026 FIBA World Cup in Germany or the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
No matter who the Canadians will face, Fortner is looking forward to the challenge.
“I’ve been involved in the development of this program for years and have immense respect for the organization and the culture that the players are establishing,” Fortner expressed. “This team is a unique blend of talent, resilience, and unity, and they are capable of achieving something remarkable. I can’t wait to get started.”
Her retirement from Georgia Tech in early April caught many off guard, especially since she had just signed a contract extension through 2030 in February. During her farewell press conference, she expressed bittersweet feelings, reflecting on changes in college sports over her six years in Atlanta while also noting, “there’s still a lot of energy left.” Under her leadership, the Yellow Jackets made three NCAA tournament appearances and recorded an overall win-loss record of 110-75.
Prior to her retirement, five players from Georgia Tech, including the ACC’s sixth player of the year, entered the transfer portal. Following her announcement, two three-year starters, Kara Dunn and Tonie Morgan, also decided to leave.
In Fortner’s place, Georgia Tech has brought in former Maryland assistant coach Karen Blair.
Fortner guided Georgia Tech to its best start in program history, with a winning streak of 15 games last season, and has been recognized as Coach of the Year in the ACC, SEC, and Big Ten throughout her career, which also includes tenures at Auburn and Purdue.
Coaching internationally offers Fortner a different experience—she won’t have to navigate the world of NIL deals or transfer portals; she can simply focus on coaching basketball.
“What struck me about Nell is how well her approach aligns with the values our athletes have outlined regarding leadership, accountability, and culture,” a team representative mentioned. “Her methodology matches the expectations set by the group and the direction this team believes it needs to take.”
Canada has yet to secure an Olympic medal and hasn’t won a World Cup since 1986, although they finished fourth in 2022.
The roster features many talented players, including WNBA stars like Bridget Carlton and Kianarth, and upcoming collegiate stars such as Duke’s Toby Hoonier, Villanova’s Jasmine Bascoe, and BYU’s Delaney Gibb.
Fournier and Gibb were part of Canada’s Under-17 team during the 2022 World Cup, where they finished fourth. Last season, Gibb earned the title of Big 12 Freshman of the Year, while Fournier claimed the same honor in the ACC.
