The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) celebrated the International Day of the Girl Child by hosting the Summit for Women’s Basketball Coaches recently at the 20th Floor, Annex Building of Christ’s Commission Fellowship in Pasig City.
The summit brought together some of the most respected names in basketball to share their insights and inspire the next generation of female coaches.
Among the featured speakers were two-time WNBA Champion and Women’s Basketball Hall of Famer Taj McWilliams-Franklin, who discussed leadership; Australian basketball coach and former player Deanne Butler, who delved into offensive tactics; 11-time PBA Champion coach Norman Black, who shared his expertise on defensive strategies; two-time UAAP Women’s Basketball Champion John Flores, who focused on individual skills development; and former Ateneo Women’s Basketball coach Kat Quimpo, who also tackled techniques for player growth and performance.
The SBP organized the summit to address a key challenge in women’s basketball—the shortage of female coaches. By equipping aspiring mentors with advanced knowledge and professional training, the federation hopes to encourage more women to step into leadership roles and inspire young girls to pursue the sport with confidence and ambition.
Women’s basketball in the Philippines has continued to gain momentum in recent years. The Gilas Pilipinas Women’s teams—from the elite squad to the Under-18 and Under-16 levels—are now competing in Division A of their respective FIBA Asia competitions, a clear reflection of the country’s growing stature in the region.
The Gilas Pilipinas Women’s National Team is also set to compete in March 2026 for a coveted spot in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, marking another major milestone in the sport’s development.
In reaffirming its commitment to elevating women’s basketball, the SBP emphasized that sustained success will require the collective effort of the entire basketball community—coaches, players, schools, parents, and fans alike.
The federation remains steadfast in its mission to develop programs and policies that strengthen the role and influence of female coaches, recognizing that their presence is vital to building a more inclusive, equitable, and inspiring environment for all who love the game.
