Oct 08,V7N- Canada Basketball announced on Monday that they and women's national team head coach Victor Lapena have mutually agreed to part ways. This decision comes two months after the team finished winless in the group stage at the Paris Olympics.

Lapena had signed a contract extension in May to remain with the program through the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup. Since his hiring in January 2022, he led the team to a 17-10 record in FIBA competitions. The extension included a provision allowing him to pursue professional coaching opportunities while still being available for national team commitments.

Earlier this year, he was hired by the Turkish club Cukurova Basketbol Kulubu.Following the Olympics, it was determined that it would be best for Lapena to concentrate on his professional team as they compete in the EuroLeague Women and other national competitions.

Canada Basketball is currently reviewing its training and competition calendar in preparation for the next four-year cycle leading up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and will conduct a search for a new head coach.During Lapena's tenure, the national team achieved notable successes, including winning a bronze medal at the FIBA Women's AmeriCup 2023 and finishing fourth at the Women's Basketball World Cup 2022.

However, the team struggled at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, finishing 11th with a record of 0-3 in the group stage, losing to France, Australia, and Nigeria.

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