The George Brown Huskies are thrilled to announce the hiring of Chante Clarke as the new head coach of the women’s basketball team, effective immediately.
“Surreal is the first word that comes to mind. When the offer came, my immediate reaction was a mixture of intense excitement and humbling responsibility. Taking on the role of Head Coach for the Huskies women’s basketball team is both an honor and a responsibility I do not take lightly,” she explained.
Clarke brings a coaching resume with experience across multiple levels, including both college and university having served as an assistant coach for the Ontario Tech University women’s basketball team during the 2024–25 season after coaching with the Seneca Sting during the 2023–24 campaign. While at Ontario Tech, she completed the 2024 U SPORTS Female Apprentice Coach Program, where she was mentored by Megan Grant.
She was also head coach of the East York Basketball U16 girls’ rep program, an assistant coach for the U17 Girls Adidas Circuit (AAU), and head coach of the girls program at Middlefield Collegiate Institute where she is also a teacher. She has also spent time on the bench with Kia Nurse Elite (EYCL), Crestwood Preparatory College (OSBA) and with Team Ontario.
“It’s very exciting for us to have been able to secure an up-and-coming coaching talent like Chante to lead us into the next phase of Huskies Women’s Basketball.”, said Melanie Gérin-Lajoie, Senior Manager Athletics & Recreation. “The combination Chante brings of high level playing background, range of coaching experiences, and profession as a teacher is exactly what this program needs. Notably for our female student-athletes to be effectively supported both on and off the field of play by a relatable female mentor and leader.”
As a player, Clarke competed in U SPORTS, playing three seasons with Memorial University (2013–16) before using her final two years of eligibility at York University (2017–19). Drawing from her experience as a student-athlete, she understands the commitment required to succeed and thrive at this level and believes she can use that experience to make a real impact on and off the court.
“My path has been diverse, and that diversity is my greatest asset. Starting with having played five years as a varsity athlete I know the physical toll, the time management struggles and the pressure of competition, to name a few. And now as a high-school Physical Education and English teacher, I am accustomed to meeting students where they are, differentiating instruction and operating in a growth mindset,” stated Clarke. “Lastly, my path to coaching at the high school, college, and university levels has also given me an inclusive view of the development pipeline.”
Of course, Clarke wants her student-athletes to succeed on the court, but she also understands the importance of maintaining a level of excellence off the court. The goal is not only to win games, but also to set them up for success after their time with the Huskies.
“I lead with empathy, but I never compromise on expectations. I motivate by treating academics as an extension of our basketball training in that if we prioritize attention to detail in the classroom, we develop the discipline to execute in the clutch moments that can occur during game play,” Clarke stated. “My goal is to graduate well-rounded women who are prepared for life after basketball.”
The Huskies took a significant step forward last season, more than doubling their win total, finishing fourth in the East Division, and hosting a playoff crossover game for the second time in the past five seasons. Clarke has her sights set continuing that momentum and taking the program to the next level.
“Short-term: My focus is on culture and consistency. We need to establish our daily habits, define our defensive identity, and get every player bought into the team’s collective vision. One practice, one game, one day at a time,” she explained. “Long-term: The goal is sustainable excellence. I want to build a program that is a top contender in the OCAA and a premier destination for athletes who want to pursue both elite basketball and academic achievement.”
For more information on George Brown Women’s Basketball, contact Huskies Varsity Operations Coordinator Mark Couch at mark.couch@georgebrown.ca. If you're interested in trying out for the team, please complete the prospective athlete form.
