Courtnay Pilypaitis, the associate head coach of the Cornell Big Red women’s basketball program, added another chapter to her storied career when she served as an assistant coach for Team Canada at the 2026 FIBA U18 Women’s AmeriCup.
Under her guidance, Canada posted a perfect run through the group stage and the semifinal, only to fall in the championship game to a powerhouse United States side. The effort earned the Canadians a silver medal, a result that resonated beyond the scoreboard.
A Legacy of International Experience
Her involvement with Team Canada stretches back to the 2012 Olympics, where she helped the nation reach the quarterfinals for the first time in program history. A decade earlier, in 2013, she contributed to a silver‑medal performance at the FIBA Americas Championship for Women, and over seven seasons she amassed a collection of world championship appearances.
Pilypaitis called coaching Team Canada one of the most rewarding experiences of her career, emphasizing the pride she feels in representing both Canada and Cornell on the international stage.
Emily Garner, the head coach of Cornell’s women’s basketball team, praised the opportunity for her associate coach. “Courtnay’s dedication to the sport shines on the global stage, and this silver medal underscores the caliber of talent within our program,” Garner remarked.
Savannah Swords, a standout player for Canada, was recognized with a spot on the tournament’s All‑Star Five, further cementing the team’s impact on the international scene.