Garlepp reflects on incredible World Cup run
It’s been an absolute whirlwind few weeks for Sydney Flames’ Renae Garlepp with the Australian Gems.
Garlepp, who is also the Harvey Norman Future Flames program director, guided her Gems to the silver medal at the 2025 FIBA under 19s World Cup, while also being crowned the Best Coach of the Tournament.
Now that the dust has settled on her incredible run in the Czech Republic, Garlepp has had a chance to reflect on just how special the experience was.
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“I couldn’t be prouder of the team,” said Garlepp’s whose team also played practice matches in Portugal in the lead-up to the Brno-based tournament.
“This group showed grit, resilience, and belief every single game.
“They played for each other, shared the ball, and every day showed up to be better than the day before.
“It was just a special group of 12 players that were locked in and competing for each other.
“They embraced the hard stuff.
“They defended, moved the ball selflessly, and never backed down – they were all just such a joy to coach.”
With all that being said, Garlepp is thrilled her group, who have been building together for a number of months, have been rewarded with a silver medal.
“I am just thrilled that the players and staff were rewarded for such an incredible few weeks – they all worked so hard and stuck together relentlessly,” she said.
“It was great to see them rewarded for that.”
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In terms of the personal accolade, Garlepp called it ‘extremely humbling’ to receive the prestigious coaching award.
“Honestly, it reflects the work of the entire staff and the way this team bought in,” said Garlepp, who will now turn her attention back to the NBL1 East competition with her Norths Bears.
“I feel incredibly lucky and grateful to have been the coach.”
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