HAMILTON, Ont. – Burridge Gymnasium rose to its feet Saturday afternoon to honour one of the most accomplished coaches in Canadian university basketball history, as McMaster University paid tribute to Theresa Burns and her 34-year legacy at the helm of the Marauders women's basketball program.
Before tip-off, fans were treated to a touching video tribute chronicling Burns' career, followed by standing ovations as nearly 70 McMaster women's basketball alumni lined the baseline to present her with flowers. The scene was emotional, with tears and embraces marking the reunion of generations of players whose lives were shaped by their coach.
"People have been asking me all day how I feel," Burns said in her post-game press conference. "I have no words other than to say my heart is absolutely full and overflowing with gratitude and love for this place and what it's meant in my life. It's been my life, and for the many, many familiar, friendly, loving faces."
The afternoon's exhibition featured a fitting full-circle moment: two of Burns' former players patrolling the sidelines as head coaches. Isabel Ormond, making her debut as McMaster's new bench boss, matched up against Saskatchewan's Lisa Thomaidis, one of the most respected coaches in Canadian and international basketball.
"It feels a bit like a full-circle moment to coach somebody in their youth and then watch them grow," Burns reflected. "Isabel is amazing. She's going to do phenomenal things with this program… and of course Lisa, in my opinion, is one of the best in the world for women's basketball."
On the court, the defending national champion Huskies showcased their pedigree, pulling away for a 100–58 victory. For the Marauders, the afternoon was about much more than the scoreboard.
Over her career, Burns amassed more than 600 victories, six OUA championships, and led McMaster to its first-ever national title in 2019. But she emphasized that her proudest accomplishment has always been about people.
"I think most people know I'm about as competitive as they come… but the most important thing to me was that these women found their voice," Burns said. "By far that was the goal for every athlete that came through our program–just find your voice and walk out of these doors and feel like you can go out there and conquer the world."
From alumni forming lifelong friendships, to young girls in the community being inspired by Marauder players as role models, Burns' impact stretched far beyond the court.
"My knees were shaking," she admitted, describing the moment she scanned the line of alumni standing across from her. "Just so many faces of people I love. Our life paths were shared for a long time during a significant part of their lives. That bond will never be broken and it's something I cherish deeply."
While her coaching career has concluded, Burns has not stepped away from sport entirely. She joked about golf and curling lessons as part of her retirement routine, but admitted she still feels the pull of competition.
"I do miss the games. I love the thrill of the game. I love the puzzle of trying to outsmart another coach… I have to say I was doing a lot of coaching in my mind today while I sat there," she laughed.
"It's been the most amazing career. I can't believe somebody paid me to do this thing I love for all these years. Thank you to the bottom of my heart for everybody that's been part of this journey."
