Months Away From 2019/20 Season Brassard Steps Down As Fire Coach

The JCU Townsville Fire will enter a new era after championship winning coach Claudia Brassard informed the club she would be stepping down ahead of the 2019/20 season.

On March 13 2018 it was announced that Claudia would continue as coach until the end of the 2021/21 season, but that won't be the case. 

She concludes her time as a head coach in the Chemist Warehouse WNBL with a 43-31 record and a winning percentage of 58%.

A change in works commitments means Claudia is unable to serve as a full-time coach throughout the season with the club poised to commence their search for a replacement immediately.

Having served as a senior assistant for three seasons, Claudia was appointed head coach in 2016/17 and led the Fire to the semi-finals.

The following season she climbed the summit once again as the Fire defeated the Liz Cambage-led Melbourne Boomers 2-1 in a thrilling Grand Final series on their home floor.

The Fire’s title defence was curtailed last season as six-time WNBL MVP Suzy Batkovic spent the majority of the year sidelined through injury, but with a raft of championship heroes returning and an injection of new stars including Julie Vanloo and Bridget Carlton, the club is optimistic of a bright future.

“It’s a decision that I haven’t taken lightly,” Claudia said.

“The Fire has played such an enormous role in my life – not just my sporting career – and I’ll be forever grateful for the opportunities the club has afforded me as a player and as a coach.

“I’m sure whoever replaces me will do an incredible job, it’s a special club to coach, and I look forward to seeing them contend for another title throughout 2019/20.”

THE HILARIOUS URZLIA CARLSON IS HEADING TO TOWNSVILLE TOMORROW! HEAR HOW SHE GOT CLIFFO & GABI LOL'ING