Bendigo Stadium Limited (BSL) and the Bendigo Basketball Association (BBA) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Mark Alabakov as the Head Coach and Meg McKay and Cass McLean as Assistant Coaches for the Bendigo Braves Women’s team in the upcoming 2023 Country Basketball League (CBL) season.
Mark Alabakov, who led our Bendigo Braves to a National Championship in the NBL1 competition, is set to lead the charge in the CBL. His exceptional leadership and strategic prowess make him a highly sought-after coach in Australian basketball. Under his guidance, the Bendigo Braves have become synonymous with excellence, and we have no doubt that he will continue to raise the bar in the CBL.
Meg McKay and Cass McLean, both instrumental contributors to our NBL1 Championship-winning team, will serve as Assistant Coaches. Their deep understanding of the game and commitment to player development make them invaluable assets to the coaching staff. Together with Coach Alabakov, they form a formidable team that will help our players reach their full potential.
Sam Cartwright, BSL Acting General Manager of Sport, expressed his excitement, stating, “We are ecstatic to have Mark, Meg, and Cass leading our Women’s team in the upcoming CBL season. Mark’s proven success and the talent of Meg and Cass will undoubtedly elevate our program. This coaching trio represents the present and future of Bendigo basketball.”
Martin Spottiswood, representing the BBA board, added, “The Bendigo Braves have a rich history of excellence, and with this coaching dream team in place, our future looks even brighter. We are confident that their leadership will continue the fantastic environment enjoyed in the women’s program, and will inspire the players of tomorrow moving forward.”
Coach Alabakov, Coach McKay, and Coach McLean are equally excited about the opportunity to work with the rising talent in the Braves community. Coach Alabakov shared, “We are committed to nurturing and developing the region’s emerging athletes and take them on the next steps of our Braves pathway. We look forward to a campaign of teaching, sharing and guiding the group as they acquire new skills and knowledge that will help them present their best selves for 2024’s women’s program and beyond.”
The CBL season starts with a trip to Maryborough on Saturday 7th October.
