Abbott-Peter will remain head coach of the Women’s Under-25 team
Wheelchair Basketball Canada is excited to announce the appointment of Marni Abbott-Peter as the head coach of the Senior Women’s National Team (SWNT).
The Vancouver, B.C. native takes on the head coaching role as the Canadian women prepare for the IWBF World Championships (June 9-20, 2023) and the Parapan American Games (Nov. 17-26, 2023).
“Marni has a unique understanding of the technical needs and requirements of wheelchair basketball athletes, having previously served as an assistant coach with the Senior Women’s National Team in addition to her experience as an athlete with Team Canada,” said Wheelchair Basketball Canada Executive Director Wendy Gittens. “Canada is focused on developing the best Senior Women’s National Team in the world, and we are confident in Marni’s ability to coach our athletes to succeed.”
Abbott-Peter brings a wealth of coaching experience to the SWNT. She was an assistant coach with the SWNT in 2022. Further, she served as an assistant coach on the Women’s Under-25 Team in 2011, and in 2012 she was named an assistant coach on the SWNT at the Paralympic Games in London.
She has also been a part of Team BC’s coaching staff at the Canada Winter Games on six occasions, including the 2023 Canada Winter Games, where BC won gold.
“Marni is an experienced coach with a proven ability to lead,” said Wheelchair Basketball Canada High Performance Director Jeff Dunbrack. “We are confident Marni’s experience as a coach and athlete will empower our Senior Women’s National Team athletes to maximize their strengths and achieve results on the international stage.”
In addition to her role with the SWNT, Abbott-Peter will remain the head coach of the Women’s Under-25 Team.
“The future of women’s wheelchair basketball in Canada is exciting,” said Abbott-Peter. “I am pleased to lead our Senior Women’s National Team and Women’s Under-25 Team to World Championships in 2023. Our SWNT has a vibrant mix of veteran and young athletes. I am grateful to have exceptional support staff as we look to reach the podium at the Worlds in June.
“I would also like to thank Sian Blyth and the BCWBS Staff and Board of Directors for encouraging me on this international coaching journey. Also, none of this would be possible without the unconditional love and support of my husband, Richard. He is my rock, giving me the confidence and courage to chase these bold goals.”
As an athlete, Abbott-Peter had a successful Wheelchair Basketball career with Team Canada. As a member of the SWNT from 1992 to 2004, she won three straight gold medals at the Paralympic Games (1992, 1996, and 2000). Abbott-Peter also won three consecutive World Championships (1994, 1998, and 2002). She won a Paralympic bronze medal in 2004 and helped Canada win bronze at the 2010 World Championship.
Abbott-Peter was inducted into the BC Sports Hall of Fame in 2007, and in 2015, she was inducted into the Canadian Paralympic Committee Hall of Fame. She was inducted into the Basketball BC Hall of Fame in 2017.