Shae Dheensaw’s basketball journey has been filled with national representation, collegiate triumphs and a robust coaching career focused on developing student-athletes.

That journey has now led her to Brock University, where she’s taken the helm as head coach of the women’s basketball team.

A former assistant coach at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), Dheensaw was instrumental in the TMU Bold’s historic undefeated season and their first national championship title in 2021-22.

“It’s not difficult to be excited when you look at the Brock women’s basketball program,” she said. “The team accomplishments over the generations, the individual player recognitions, the academic offerings and the way the community packs Bob Davis Gymnasium are just a few of the exciting pieces about Brock.”

Dheensaw’s coaching career includes a dedication to student-athlete development and recruitment, with impactful stints at the University of Victoria and Washington State University.

Her appointment as head coach signals a new, promising direction for Brock’s basketball program.

“Welcoming Shae as our new women’s varsity basketball head coach is a pivotal moment for us,” said Melissa Krist, Executive Director of Brock Sports and Recreation. “Her dedication to enhancing the student-athlete experience and commitment to educational values will be invaluable to our program’s success.”

With a history of playing for Canada at the U16 and U17 levels in International Basketball Federation (FIBA) World Championship events, followed by a stellar National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) career at Washington State University, Dheensaw’s athletic and coaching credentials are a wealth of experience.

At Washington State, she scored 535 points, grabbed 307 rebounds and made 98 blocks over 112 games in the PAC-12 conference.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development with a certificate in Early Childhood Education from Washington State University and a Master of Education from the University of Washington.

Her comprehensive approach to coaching and player development has also been evident in her roles with youth basketball programs like Kia Nurse Elite and the Nike Hoop Summit.

“It’s important to me to get to know people, find out what is their ‘why’ and make it work in a team space,” Dheensaw said. “Connection and building the whole person are the repeatable building blocks that win championships.”