Daley and Wickstrom announced as 2025 Canada Summer Games head coaches

Alberta Basketball Association (ABA) has announced its coaching staffs for the 2025 Canada Summer Games.

Head coaches Matt Daley and Megan Wickstrom will lead the Alberta male and female basketball teams, respectively, into action at the country’s largest multi-sport and cultural event for young athletes, taking place this coming August in St. John’s, N.L.

“We’re thrilled to announce our coaches for the 2025 Canada Summer Games,” says Dave Drabiuk, ABA Executive Director. “These individuals are not just tremendous leaders but have the knowledge and experience to help our athletes achieve their greatest potential next summer.”

Daley returns to Team Alberta head coach, after guiding the 17U Boys to a bronze medal victory at the 2024 Canada Basketball National Championships in Toronto last August. A resident of Calgary, Daley is in his second season as head coach of the SAIT men’s basketball team.

“I’m excited to be back this summer to help Team Alberta prepare for Canada Games,” Daley said. “This age group has the potential to be very special and everyone is excited to go to Newfoundland and compete for a gold medal.”

Wickstrom was head coach of the bronze medal-winning 17U Girls at the 2024 Canada Basketball National Championships in St. John’s. The Sherwood Park native is currently women’s basketball associate head coach at her alma matter, the University of Alberta.

“I am thrilled to coach our Canada Games team this summer,” says Wickstrom, a Team Alberta alumnus. “Getting to work with the top athletes in our province is always such a privilege but this summer will be even more special as we prepare for the Canada Games.”

Bradley Farish (boy’s head coach, St. Francis Xavier high school) and (Etienne Jacquet (men’s head coach, University of Alberta-Augustana) will serve as Daley’s assistants.

 Wickstrom’s assistants include Marissa Lindquist (head coach, bronze-medal winning 15U Girls at 2024 Nationals) and Donna Branch (women’s assistant coach, University of Lethbridge). Branch, a member of the Alberta Schools’ Athletic Association Hall of Fame, returns to the team two decades after coaching Alberta to silver in female basketball at the 2005 Canada Summer Games.

Alberta has a rich history at the Canada Games, winning a total of seven medals in basketball competition since the sport’s debut in 1975. At the most recent Canada Summer Games, hosted by London, Ont., in 2022, Alberta’s female basketball team captured gold while the male basketball team placed fourth.

Held every two years, alternating between winter and summer, the Canada Games represent the highest level of national competition for up-and-coming Canadian athletes. Basketball at the 2025 Canada Summer Games is scheduled for Aug. 10 to 16 at The Works Memorial University Field House and The Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Centre.