Kereama signs two-year extension with Spirit

BENDIGO Spirit head-coach Kennedy Kereama says he is excited to see how the next chapter unfolds at the WNBL club after signing a two-year contract extension.

Kereama, the league’s coach of the year last season, will lead the club until at least the end of the 2027-28 season, having originally joined the Spirit ahead of the 2022-23 season.

The Spirit finished last season in third place on the ladder, a year after securing a drought-breaking championship with a 2-0 grand final series sweep of the Townsville Fire.

Kereama said he felt honoured to continue leading the Spirit and was excited by what the future held.

“I love coming to work in Bendigo,” Kereama said.

“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built – the players, the staff, the environment, the community.

“We’ve achieved a lot, but we’re hungry for more, and I’m excited for what the next chapter holds.”

Spirit general manager Dan Jackson said since joining the Spirit, Kereama had rebuilt and elevated the club’s high performance program, drawing on his extensive coaching background that included leading the New Zealand Tall Ferns, multiple roles across the WNBL and NBL1, and most recently as an assistant coach with the Australian Opals at the recent FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Türkiye.

“Over the past four years, Kereama’s influence has been profound,” he said.

“The Spirit has become a destination club, attracting top domestic and international talent who want to play for him and alongside the squads he assembles.

“His emphasis on culture, connection and professionalism has been highlighted by his ability to recruit elite-calibre players and rising stars, with the club widely recognised for its strong environment and identity.

“The broader basketball community has credited the Spirit’s recruitment success to the culture Kereama has built in Bendigo since taking over the coaching reins in 2022.”

The club’s on-court performance has been equally exceptional.

Under Kereama’s leadership, Bendigo delivered an utterly dominant 2024–25 season, culminating in the WNBL championship – their first title in a decade.

A tough follow-up season bore testimony to his coaching smarts in guiding an incredibly young and reshaped team to a top–three finish despite significant adversity.

The Spirit lost club leaders Marianna Tolo – a five time WNBL championship winner – due to pregnancy and Casey Samuels (injury) early in their campaign, and back-up guard Micah Simpson later in the season with an ACL tear.

Kereama’s ability to stabilise, nurture and elevate emerging talent earned him the coach of the year title.

Player development has been a trademark of Kereama’s tenure.

Izzy Borlase – one of Australia’s brightest stars and the eventual League MVP – flourished in Bendigo’s system after signing with the club, while rising Australian talents Kelsey Rees, Olivia Pollerd, Simpson and import guard Meg McConnell also took significant strides under his guidance.

Jackson identified Kereama’s re–signing as one of the club’s highest priorities.

“Kennedy has transformed this program from the ground up,” Jackson said.

“His ability to build culture, develop elite talent and inspire belief has made Bendigo a destination club and a genuine championship contender every year.

“The results speak for themselves – a title, a coach of the year award, and a playing group that continues to grow under his guidance.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to have him leading us into the future.”

Kereama’s re-signing joins those of players Borlase, Pollerd, Rees, Samuels, Abbey Wehrung and Georgia Booth for the 2026-27 season. More sport from page 27.