'A proud mum': Brondello's tribute to Coach Connolly

• Norma Connolly OAM passed away aged 86
• Her involvement in Queensland and Australian basketball spanned more than 60 years
• Connolly spent 12 years as the Australian Gems U19 team manager

The Australian basketball community, led by Australian Opals legend Sandy Brondello, has come together to pay tribute to one of Queensland's most influential figures following the death of Norma Connolly.

Connolly, 86, was an iconic figure in Australian basketball having been involved in the sport as a coach, manager and administrator for more than 60 years.

Her involvement included serving as team manager of the Australian Gems under-19 team for more than a decade, overseeing almost 150 international games and three FIBA World Championships, head coaching Queensland state teams for 20-plus years as well as volunteering in numerous other roles during her illustrious career.

Connolly's contribution to the game has been recognised with being inducted into the Basketball Australia Hall of Fame in 2007, the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2012, and induction into the Queensland Basketball Hall of Fame in 2025.

The National Junior Championship trophy for under-16 women is also celebrated in her honour as the Norma Connolly Trophy, while the show court at Mackay Basketball is named Connolly Court. She has also been awarded Life Membership at Townsville Basketball.

Brondello, the current Opals coach, said Connolly had a significant impact on her career as her first representative coach in Mackay.

"Norma was my first rep coach for Mackay and Queensland. Alongside Carol Insch (coach of junior club team), they taught me the fundamentals and how to play basketball," Brondello told basketball.com.au.

"I owe them so much for my early development with their teaching, dedication and care for me as a player.  

"Norma was so special as she loved helping young players be the best that they can be. Her passion for the game rubbed off on all of us over the years. She always stayed in touch and followed our careers like a proud mum."

Many influential figures around Australian basketball also joined Brondello in paying tribute to Connolly.

"Rest easy beautiful, Norma. What a wonderful soul. Thank you for your contributions to our sport and the young women (and) men you helped shape over the years. You will be missed. Love and thoughts to your family," the greatest Australian basketballer of all time, Lauren Jackson, wrote.

"Sorry to hear the news of the passing of Norma Connolly who for mine, was the ‘Matriach of Basketball Queensland forever’. I personally have so much respect for her, someone who gave so much to the game at so many levels and found the time to embraced everyone. God Bless her and may she RIP. Condolences to all her family and friends," NBL legend Cal Bruton posted on social media.

"Rest in Peace Norma. You will be missed by so many. Words can’t express the positive impact you made on so many people on and off a basketball court. Sending love to your family," longtime NBL asisstant coach and current head coach of the Akita Northern Happinets in Japan, Mick Downer, wrote.

"She was the absolute best at what she did. What a woman. A pioneer. Love you norms," former Opal and WNBL legend Jenni Screen commented.

Townsville Basketball, where Connolly spent a significant part of her more than 60 years in basketball, posted Connolly touched the lives of many in the basketball world.

"She will be remembered as a true legend of the game and a genuine ambassador for basketball at every level. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Norma’s family, friends, and the many lives she touched. RIP Norms," they shared on their social media.

Basketball Queensland also paid tribute to one of their legends.

"Basketball Queensland is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Norma Connolly OAM, one of Queensland basketball’s most influential figures," their comment said.

"Norma represented Queensland as a player at senior Australian Championships before dedicating decades of her life to coaching and mentoring athletes across Central and North Queensland. Her extraordinary contribution spanned grassroots to elite pathways, including State teams, the Townsville Sunbirds, and the Australian Under 19 Gems, as well as having the national Under 16 Girls Championship trophy named in her honour. Norma was inducted into the Queensland Basketball Hall of Fame in the Class of 2025.

"We extend our sincere condolences to Norma’s family, friends, and the many athletes, coaches, and communities shaped by her legacy. May she rest in peace."