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Sydney's Gem steps up as new Flames head coach
Renae Garlepp assistant coach of the Flames looks on during the round 10 WNBL match between Sydney Flames and Bendigo Spirit at Qudos Bank Arena on January 02, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. Photo: Jason McCawley/Getty Images
Renae Garlepp will take the reins of the Flames following the departure of Guy Molloy
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The Sydney Flames have appointed one of Australia's brightest up and coming coaches in Renae Garlepp as their head coach for the remainder of the 2025-26 WNBL season, following the departure of Guy Molloy.
Sydney announced Molloy, a two-time WNBL Coach of the Year, would be stepping aside to take on an advisory role following the Flames' home loss to the Bendigo Spirit on November 28.
Garlepp steps up to the main chair after being Molloy's assistant coach since his arrival in Sydney ahead of the 2023-24 season.
The 39-year-old has already developed a reputation as the next WNBL head coach in waiting following a successful FIBA Under-19 Women's World Cup campaign in July, where she led the Australian Gems to a silver medal, just falling to a stacked USA team in the final.
Garlepp was also named 'Best Coach' of the tournament.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead the Flames," Garlepp said in the club's media release.
"I’m excited to work with this team and staff, and my focus is to help them thrive and be the best they can be.”
Garlepp already boasts a strong coaching resume, having won an NBL1 East championship with the Norths Bears as well as being a two-time NBL1 East Coach of the Year. The former Australian Institute of Sport athlete played in the WNBL for 12 seasons, winning two championships along the way.
“We’re extremely excited that Renae Garlepp is taking on the head coach position, continuing her strong work with the Flames this season," CEO of Hoops Capital Mark Thompson said.
"She’s an incredible leader, lifting others up around her, and we’re proud to support Renae as she takes this next step in her coaching career.”
The Flames are currently seventh on the WNBL ladder with three wins from 10 games. Garlepp will face a baptism of fire in her WNBL head coaching debut as the Flames travel to Townsville to take on the league-leading Fire on Saturday.
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