OQTW - Best Canada Day ever for Coach McNeill

ANKARA (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Women) – It was the mother of all Canada days for Allison McNeill and her players who celebrated their national holiday in the best possible way – by booking the last remaining Olympic spot.
 
The play-caller woke-up in the Turkish capital this morning still excited after Canada cemented their return to the Games after a 12 year absence.
 
“It was the best Canada Day ever for sure,” smiled McNeill.
 
“When I checked my e-mails and twitter, so many people were saying it was pre-destined - I even had a friend in Australia who joked that he was celebrating ahead of the game.
 
“I am so happy to have beaten Japan because I have so much respect for them. I am especially proud of my athletes and how hard they have worked together.
 
“I told the players that I had a little vision we would have to go the hard route, that’s just the way we are, I think Canadians have to do things the extra hard way.”
 
She continued: “As for the draw, I am just happy to be there right now and we’ll consider it just as soon as I can breathe better!
 
“We have a little bit of history with all of the teams, less so Australia but we certainly know their players and obviously I am so excited.”
 
McNeill will of course be one of only a couple of female coaches in London – a fact not lost on the play-caller.
 
She said: “I do think about it from time to time but a coach is a coach. I guess I would love to see more female coaches even just to hang out and socialise with them.
 
“When I went to my first FIBA World Championships there were only three of us and you kind of have that bond.
 
“I hope I can inspire some women to coach in other countries and also my own – whether they coach at this level or not.”
 
Meanwhile veteran playmaker Teresa Gabriele was thrilled with booking an Olympic return having played in Athens over a decade ago.
 
She said: “It’s an amazing feeling and we have been fighting for this for a long time now.
 
“I have been with the team for 15 years and this is only my second Olympics so to stick around for so long and accomplish a huge goal like this is just awesome.”
 
FIBA