Amanda Jones
2 May 2017: University of Canberra Capitals head coach Paul Goriss will travel to the United States next week as he begins his role as assistant coach of the Australian Opals.
Announced today, Goriss will play a key role alongside Opals head coach Sandy Brondello in the team’s journey to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Sydney Uni Flames coach Cheryl Chambers was also named as an assistant coach. The pair joins support staff Dr Gaylene McKay (head of medical services), Jan Legg (strength & conditioning) and Dr Simone Page (sport practitioner) to complete the team’s coaching contingent
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UC Capitals head coach Paul Goriss has been named assistant coach of the Australian Opals. Photo: 5 Foot Photography
“It’s come earlier than expected,” Goriss said. “I’m over the moon and grateful for the opportunity.
“It’s a great opportunity to work with a great coach in Sandy and with the other notable coaching staff. I’m really excited.”
Goriss will balance his new role with his commitments at the UC Capitals. He believes being exposed to the game at the highest level will aid him in leading the side in the 2017/18 WNBL season.
“[I’ll take] a lot of learnings I think that will help me as a coach that can only have benefits for the UC Capitals program,” he said.
“Working with elite athletes, working on an international stage at senior events and tournaments will all help me become a better coach.”
University of Canberra Capitals Chief Executive Officer Joe Roff congratulated Goriss on his appointment.
“This is excellent recognition of Paul’s commitment and passion for the game,” Roff said.
“He is an excellent leader and a dedicated and hard-working coach. In just his first season as head coach of the UC Capitals, Paul guided the club to its most successful season in six years, with the UC Capitals falling just short of a finals berth.
“On behalf of the UC Capitals and the entire University of Canberra community, I’d like to congratulate Paul on joining the Opals coaching staff and we look forward to following the team’s journey to Tokyo.”
Goriss will link up with the other coaching staff at a planning meeting in Phoenix next week. The Opals are scheduled to meet for the first time since last year’s Rio Olympics in the coming months.
The side will contest the FIBA Asia Women’s Cup in July, where a top-four finish will see it qualify for the 2018 FIBA World Championships.
