May 7, 2026

Kennedy Kereama re‑signs as head coach of the Bendigo Spirit

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Bendigo Spirit is thrilled to announce that Kennedy Kereama has re‑signed as head coach on a new two‑year deal, extending his tenure after four transformative seasons at the helm.

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Since joining the Spirit ahead of the 2022-23 Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) season, Kereama has rebuilt and elevated the club’s high performance program, drawing on an extensive coaching background that includes leading the New Zealand Tall Ferns, multiple roles across the WNBL and NBL1, and most recently serving as an assistant coach with the Australian Opals at the recent FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Türkiye.

Over the past four years, Kereama’s influence has been profound.  The Bendigo-based Spirit has become a destination club, attracting top domestic and international talent who want to play for him and alongside the squads he assembles.  His emphasis on culture, connection and professionalism has been highlighted by his ability to recruit elite-calibre players and rising stars, with the club widely recognised for its strong environment and identity. The broader basketball community has credited the Spirit’s recruitment success to the culture Kereama has built in Bendigo since taking over the coaching reins in 2022.

The club’s on-court performance has been equally exceptional. Under Kereama’s leadership, Bendigo delivered an utterly dominant 2024–25 season, culminating in the WNBL Championship - their first title in a decade.

Kereama’s follow‑up season showcased another dimension of his coaching brilliance.  In 2025–26, he guided an incredibly young and reshaped team to a top‑three finish despite significant adversity, including the early‑season loss of club leaders Marianna Tolo (pregnancy) and Casey Samuels (injury).  His ability to stabilise, nurture and elevate emerging talent earned him the 2025–26 WNBL Coach of the Year Award.

Player development has been a trademark of Kereama’s tenure.  Isobel Borlase - one of Australia’s brightest stars and the eventual League MVP - flourished in Bendigo’s system after signing with the club, a move widely viewed as a major coup enabled by the environment Kennedy has built. Borlase has since confirmed she will re‑sign with the Spirit for the WNBL27 season, further strengthening the club’s long‑term core.  Meanwhile, rising Australian talents Kelsey Rees, Olivia Pollerd, Micah Simpson and import guard, Meg McConnell, have also taken significant strides under his guidance, benefitting from Kereama’s emphasis on confidence, consistency, and role clarity.

Bendigo Spirit General Manager, Dan Jackson, said Kereama’s re‑signing was one of the club’s highest priorities.

“Kennedy has transformed this program from the ground up,” Jackson reiterated.  “His ability to build culture, develop elite talent and inspire belief has made Bendigo a destination club and a genuine Championship contender every year.”

“The results speak for themselves - a title, a Coach of the Year Award, and a playing group that continues to grow under his guidance. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have him leading us into the future.”

Kereama said he felt honoured to continue leading the Spirit.

“I love coming to work in Bendigo,” Kereama said.  “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built - the players, the staff, the environment, the community. We’ve achieved a lot, but we’re hungry for more, and I’m excited for what the next chapter holds.”