HAMILTON, Ont. – McMaster University is proud to announce the appointment of Isabel Ormond as the new head coach of the Marauders women's basketball team.
A Hamilton native and Marauder alumna, Ormond's basketball journey is coming full circle at McMaster University following a stellar coaching tenure at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Ormond led the Thunderbirds to a Canada West silver medal and a fourth-place finish at the 2025 U SPORTS national championship—their best showing in over a decade. In two seasons, she posted an outstanding 35-5 record (.875), establishing herself as one of the country's rising coaching talents.
"I'm excited to be back," said Ormond. "It's incredibly special to return to the place you once played—this time as head coach. It just feels surreal. I look forward to building connections and getting to know the players, coaching staff and Marauder community."
Ormond began her post-secondary basketball career at McMaster in 2011 as a walk-on athlete. Through determination and leadership, she rose to become a team captain in her final two seasons and earned Academic All-Canadian honours three times before graduating in 2015 with an Honours Bachelor of Science degree.
Isabel Ormond drives to the basket for McMaster against Laurier
Beyond the court, Ormond was deeply engaged in the McMaster community. She was a member of the McMaster Athletes Care student leadership group and was recognized with both the Les Prince Award for community leadership and the Ray Lewis Community Service Award for her outreach efforts and contributions to local sport.
Following her time as a student athlete, Ormond quickly made her mark on the national coaching scene. Prior to her role at UBC, she served as the University of Alberta Associate Head Coach, helping the Pandas capture their first-ever Canada West title and a bronze medal at the U SPORTS national championship in 2023.
Ormond has also been a key contributor to Canada Basketball's national team programs since 2017. Her previous work with Team Canada includes silver medal finishes at the 2024 FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup and the 2023 FIBA U16 Women's AmeriCup.
Team Canada lines up with their silver medals at the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup
"Coach Ormond has the deep local ties and national reputation to bring the best and brightest to McMaster," said McMaster's Athletic Director,
Keenan Jeppesen. "With a proven record of team building and player development, she is the perfect person to build upon the success of our program."
Ormond is currently completing a PhD in Coaching Studies and Sport Psychology at the University of Alberta, which will complement her Master of Coaching degree and National Coaching Certification. Her academic and coaching pursuits reflect her passion for holistic athlete development, emphasizing leadership, resilience and growth both in sport and beyond.
"Ormond's energy is infectious, and her experience coaching at the provincial and national level, leading a top U SPORTS program, as well as her academic accomplishments, make her a well-rounded coach and person. She will certainly have an immediate impact on our program," said Associate Athletic Director
Eric Bourque. "We're very excited to welcome Coach Ormond back to McMaster and have her lead our program moving forward."
Ormond will take the reins from the iconic longtime head coach,
Theresa Burns. Burns announced her retirement this spring after an extraordinary 34-season career, finishing with the second-most wins in U SPORTS women's basketball history (618).
"I'm thrilled to see Isabel become the new head coach of the McMaster women's basketball program," said Burns. "Isabel brings an incredible level of intelligence, integrity, kindness and a work ethic second to none. As one of our most beloved alumni, it truly warms my heart to witness this full circle moment and know that she is returning to the program and alma mater that she gave so much to as a student athlete."
"I'm excited to watch the program move forward under her guidance and I'll remain a lifelong supporter of her and the Marauders."
Isabel Ormond (left) and Theresa Burns (right)
Burns will be celebrated for her lasting contributions during the McMaster women's basketball exhibition game against the University of Saskatchewan on Sept. 27. More details to follow.
"Playing for Coach Burns was incredible. She's been a mentor to me every step of the way and truly embodies the kind of coach I hope to become," said Ormond.
"I look forward to building on the foundation of excellence that has been established at McMaster — both academically and within the conference."
Ormond will begin her role in June and will lead the Marauders into the 2025–26 season.
