Long-running U of T basketball coach inducted into Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame

After four decades and a storied career in Canadian university basketball, Michèle Bélanger was recognized for her achievements and inducted into the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame.

“I was shocked, and I said there’s no way, and then he named the two classes lumped together, and I said, ‘Hold it right there. This is not happening. These are true legends of the game’,” Bélanger told CityNews.

Bélanger said she still can’t believe she got the call that she, an eight-time Ontario University Athletics Coach of the Year, was going to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

The coach of the University of Toronto’s Varsity Blues women’s basketball program retired in 2020 after helping shape the game and minds of over four generations of players.

“Someone said to me, one of my neighbours, you’ve influenced four decades of people. I’ve never felt that ever but it’s a nice feeling.”

Bélanger racked up over 850 wins during her long career as a coach within Team Canada’s basketball system.

“Those moments are the best when all of a sudden, an athlete can’t use their left hand, and they end up using their left hand, and they end up scoring at whatever level, you teach them a little skill, and they’re able to do it, they overcome that fear,” shared Bélanger. “I think those are by far my best moments of all. You look at it and go. This is what it’s all about at the end of the day. The wins and losses come and go, but you know the athlete will remember those moments for the rest of their life.”

On Sunday, she was inducted into the Hall of Fame along with several others, including longtime NBA point guard and two-time MVP Steve Nash, currently the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets.

She says since she started playing in the 1970s, she’s seen immense growth for women in basketball.

“The level has increased immensely, but the athletes are there. There are a lot of young women that want to play the game and that are in love with this basketball game, which I think is great. You didn’t see that 30 years ago. You were the odd one out,” said Bélanger.

“I want to see people coming back into the gyms and supporting these young women. They’re working so hard. Their skills are amazing.”

Bélanger led the Blues to nine provincial titles and guided them to their lone national championship in 1986. She also helped coach Team Canada to a silver medal at the 2015 world university games in Korea.