Sydney University’s own Renae Garlepp has etched her name onto the Global stage, officially recognised as the Best Coach at the 2025 FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup. Leading the Australian Gems to a silver-medal finish in Brno, Czech Republic.
A familiar face within the Sydney Uni Sport community, Garlepp has been instrumental in elevating women’s basketball at Sydney Uni, both as a mentor and high-performance coach. Known for her tactical IQ and a grounded, player-first philosophy, her journey from university courts to the international spotlight has been both deliberate and inspiring.
At Sydney Uni, Garlepp’s role has extended beyond just winning games; she’s become a critical figure in shaping the next generation of female athletes.
“Sydney Uni has been a place where I’ve been able to grow as a coach, work closely with emerging talent, and build systems that support both performance and wellbeing. I’m proud to represent that community on the world stage,” Garlepp said.
Handed the reins of the Australian U19 national team earlier this year, Garlepp wasted no time in making her mark. The Gems opened their campaign with a commanding 87-59 victory over Brazil and continued to impress throughout the tournament, combining defensive discipline with quick ball movement and composure under pressure.
While the team narrowly fell to the USA in the final, FIBA acknowledged Garlepp’s exceptional performance by naming her the tournament’s Best Coach, an award recognising tactical innovation, leadership and overall player development.
“We picked a team that could withstand pressure and compete every possession. That’s something I try to instil in all my players- whether at Sydney Uni or with the national program,” Garlepp explained.
With FIBA accolades now in hand and the competition complete, she now turns to UBL, where she will lead our women’s team in defending their 2024 title.
