Kennedy Kereama has coached at almost every level, from coaching the Christchurch Girls’ High School Senior A team in the early 2000’s right through to national level where he coached the Tall Ferns from 2010 until the beginning of this year.
Kereama’s coaching resume is a long one that includes a number of successful results. From 2003 until 2007, he coached at secondary school level. During that time he also coached Under 15, Under 16, Under 17, Under 19 and Under 21 Canterbury women’s teams. Over that period Kereama’s teams claimed three Silvers and one Gold medal result at national events.
He began his international coaching career in 2007 with the New Zealand U16 women’s team. He then became the Technical Assistant for the Tall Ferns in 2008, the year the Tall Ferns attended the Beijing Olympic Games. In 2009 Kereama became the Assistant Coach of the Tall Ferns before stepping into the Head Coach role in 2010. He coached the team to many international victories, including an historic win over Spain in 2016.
Kereama coached in the Women’s Basketball Championship, formerly known as the Women’s National Basketball League. He also coached in Australia in the South East Australian Basketball League, or SEABL, and in 2009 received the SEABL Coach of the Year Award after taking the Albury Wodonga Lady Bandits to their first finals appearance.
Kereama’s contribution to women’s basketball in New Zealand has been immense. His passion for coaching has led to the development and growth of many of New Zealand’s elite women’s players. He recently resigned as Tall Ferns Head Coach, but has left the group in a strong position to succeed under new coach Guy Molloy.
