Head coach Carly Clarke on women’s basketball and coaching Team Canada

Carly Clarke has been head coach of the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) women’s basketball team since 2012, leading them to an undefeated 2021-22 season, an Ontario University Athletics (OUA) title and their first national championship. Clarke earned OUA and U SPORTS coach of the year honours, and was named OUA coach of the year across all sports. She has also coached Canada’s women’s senior national team at the Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 Olympics, and led the under-23 team at the 2022 GLOBL JAM FIVES. A Halifax native, Clarke is recognized for her contributions to Canada Basketball and provincial organizations. An alumna of Bishop’s University, she also served as lead assistant at Dalhousie University, where she earned her MBA.

What inspired you to pursue a career in basketball coaching, leading you to TMU?

I played basketball most of my childhood and fell in love with the game and competition early. I was never the best athlete but always had a mind for the game. I’ve always been aware of the life and leadership skills that can be developed through team sports, and I’m passionate about developing those skills in players and people.

Can you share a defining moment at TMU that has shaped your approach to coaching student-athletes?

It’s difficult to pick one moment, as there have been so many. We’ve won many games and championships, but for me, it’s all about the relationships I’ve built. Leadership is an evolving journey, and each player and team teaches me so much and helps me grow as a person and leader. A very proud moment is having two former players on our staff as assistant coaches. Their choice to stay part of our program, impacting the student-athletes’ experience, tells me we’re doing things the right way. They’ve had experiences and relationships they want to share and shape for future players.

Can you reflect on the significance of winning the first national championship in TMU basketball history and what it meant for the team and the university?

It meant a lot. A lot of time, energy and effort went into building our program into a consistent championship contender. From the president’s office to the Office of Vice Provost, Students and our athletic department, there’s an understanding of the positive impact of sporting success on our students and the university. I’ve felt that support since I arrived in 2012, so celebrating that hard work was a very special moment.

What was your overall experience like as an assistant coach for Team Canada at the Olympics?

The Olympics were incredible. Despite our team not performing its best and not achieving the results we’d hoped for, being part of Team Canada at the Olympic Games is an experience I’ll always cherish. I’m aware of how rare it is to experience the Games as a member of Team Canada, and to have done it twice is something I’m trying to savour. My dream is to help Canada Basketball get to the podium, so I hope to return. Being in an environment surrounded by the world’s best is motivating and inspiring and fills me with great pride.

What are some key takeaways from your Olympic experience that you’ve brought back to your coaching at TMU?

Number one is to enjoy the journey. It’s easy to get caught up in the results, but leaning in and appreciating the people around you and the experiences through the pursuit of excellence is something I try to emphasize. I’m also bringing many sport-specific details to help build our team and performance, emphasizing how much all the small details matter.

What are your thoughts on the arrival of the WNBA in Toronto and how do you think it will impact women’s basketball in the region?

I’m thrilled that a WNBA team is coming to Canada. Thirty years ago, the Raptors arrived, and we’ve seen the impact that has had on basketball in Canada. To now have a professional women’s basketball team in Canada will have endless positive impacts for women’s basketball here in Toronto and across the country. For young women (and men) to watch firsthand the highest level of basketball in the world regularly will only inspire more young players to dream and pursue great things.