Michele Sung steps down after guiding Team Canada to a fourth-place finish in Paris; Joey Johnson named head coach
(OTTAWA, Ont. – May 13, 2026) – Wheelchair Basketball Canada (WBC) today announced a transition within its Senior Women’s National Team (SWNT) program, as Head Coach Michele Sung will step down from the role after two years, with Joey Johnson set to assume leadership of the program.
Sung departs after helping guide the program through a significant chapter in its history, leading the team to a fourth-place finish at the 2024 Paralympic Games – the SWNT’s best result in two decades. Additionally, the Milgrove, Ont. native guided the women’s 3×3 team to a gold medal at the inaugural IWBF 3×3 Open World Championships, and a bronze medal finish at the 2025 IWBF Americas Cup.
“It has been an incredible privilege to lead this program and work alongside such dedicated athletes, coaches, and support staff,” said Sung. “I’m proud of what we accomplished together and grateful for the relationships and experiences that came with representing Canada on the international stage. I look forward to watching the program continue to grow and succeed in the years ahead.”
WBC High Performance Director, Jeff Dunbrack, acknowledged Sung’s contributions to the program.
“Sung has made a lasting impact on our organization and athletes,” Dunbrack said. “Her leadership, commitment, and passion have helped shape the direction of our program, and we thank her for her dedication and service.”
Stepping into the role, Johnson brings extensive experience within the Canadian wheelchair basketball pathway and high-performance environment. The Lorette, Man. native served as an assistant coach with the Senior Men’s National Team at the 2019 Parapan Am Games in Lima, Peru and the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo.
Most recently, Johnson served as head coach of Great Britain’s men’s national team, leading the program to a silver medal performance at the 2024 Paralympic Games.
“I’m honoured for the opportunity to lead this program and continue building on the strong foundation already in place,” said Johnson. “Canada has a proud history in wheelchair basketball, and I’m excited to work with this talented group of athletes and staff as we prepare for the next chapter together.”
As an athlete, Johnson was a force with the Senior Men’s National Team, competing in five Paralympic Games and winning three gold and one silver medal. He also won a World Championship in 2006.
“Johnson is a highly respected leader and coach with a clear vision for our program,” said Dunbrack. “With extensive experience as both an athlete and a coach, we are confident in his ability to guide the women’s team forward and continue driving performance at the highest level.”
Joining Johnson on the coaching staff is Craig Campbell, who brings more than 20 years of coaching and high-performance sport experience to the SWNT.
Campbell most recently served as head coach of the Australian women’s national team, the Gliders, a position he held for the past four years after previously spending four years as the program’s assistant coach.
His extensive coaching resume also includes serving as assistant coach of Australia’s men’s U23 wheelchair basketball team, helping guide the squad to a bronze medal at the 2017 IWBF Men’s U23 World Championship, as well as leading the Kilsyth National Wheelchair Basketball League team as head coach.
Sung will accompany the SWNT at the National Team camp in Richmond, B.C., to help oversee the transition to Johnson’s leadership.