TORONTO (July 30, 2026) - Canada Basketball announced Friday the five finalists for the 2026 edition of the newly revamped and renamed Mike MacKay Stewardship Award.

Formerly known as the Mike MacKay Transformational Coaching Award, the reimagined program expands its scope to recognize individuals across the basketball ecosystem who are committed to developing future leaders and growing the game through an athlete- and care-centred approach.

The Mike MacKay Stewardship Award will honour two recipients annually, with one recipient being a female leader working with female athletes, who exemplify the qualities of stewardship within their communities. Eligible nominees may include coaches, officials, volunteers, or club administrators working within a Canada Basketball verified program.

Each recipient will receive a $2,500 bursary in recognition of their contributions to basketball and leadership development. In addition, Canada Basketball will work with each recipient to make best efforts to deliver a stewardship clinic in their province – creating a direct investment in the local basketball community and extending the impact of their work.

The five finalists are Natasha Bussoli, Gavin Greenley, Kulbir Sidhu, Kelli Sinnock and Chris West. 

Each finalist has made a lasting impact on their basketball community. Below, they share what drives their passion for the game, the legacy they hope to leave and their advice for the next generation of leaders.

–

Q: Why are you involved in basketball?

Bussoli: Playing basketball gave me amazing opportunities for growth and lifelong relationships, and coaching allows me to pay that forward every day. I love watching athletes connect, find their voice, take on challenges, and realize they are capable of more than they thought.

Greenley: Being a part of basketball in my community, and the territory, is to give youth an opportunity in a sport they love, and I love. If they keep working hard and being dedicated, there is basketball beyond the community level.

Sidhu: Basketball has always been more than just a game to me—it's been the heartbeat of my journey. It has given me opportunities, mentors, lifelong friendships, and invaluable life lessons that have shaped who I am.

Sinnock: Being a part of the basketball community has been an instrumental part of shaping who I am today. The opportunities I've had allowed me to inspire young athletes and help them discover their many strengths both as athletes and people.

West: Basketball has challenged me and given me purpose. I want to give players the opportunity to love the game like I do.

Q: What do you hope your impact on basketball will be?

Bussoli: Change happens when people use their voice, take ownership, and make the spaces they enter better. If the athletes I encounter can carry that idea forward and create the same sense of confidence, connection, and opportunity for someone else, that’s the legacy I hope to leave.

Greenley: To show youth that no matter where they are from, the hard work and dedication on and off the court will pay off and they can make it places. 

Sidhu: I hope people remember me not for the number of games my teams won, but for the people I helped develop, the opportunities I created, and the positive culture I helped foster through basketball. Because for me, the impact has always been bigger than the game itself.

‍Sinnock: I want to continue to build programs that give athletes the opportunity to discover their strengths as people and leaders, and develop a passion for the game. I hope that I can impact athletes to believe in themselves and recognize that great things come in taking risks. 

West: I hope players look back and believe that they accomplished great things because of the work they put in. If I can help a player discover who they are through the game, then I've accomplished far more than teaching them how to shoot or defend. 

Q: What would you tell a young leader about becoming a steward of the game?

Bussoli: Know your values and let them guide you, especially when the right decision isn’t the easiest one. Have the courage to keep showing up and doing what is right, even when no one is watching.

Greenley: To be dedicated and give it their all, on and off the court, even if it’s just to open the door and give them a space to play. Once you open the door, they will show up and give it their all. 

Sidhu: Stewardship starts with service. Don't ask what basketball can do for you. Ask how you can serve the game and the people who make it possible.

Sinnock: Invest in yourself and believe that if you put the time, heart and dedication into it, great things can happen. The connections and memories through basketball will be ones that last a lifetime. 

‍West: Put your players in positions to succeed. It will give them the confidence to exceed their own expectations. Then challenge them to push past the limits they’ve put on themselves. 

The two recipients of the Mike MacKay Stewardship Award will be announced in August.

The award will be distributed through Canada Basketball as the organization continues to unify Canada as a basketball nation by supporting safe, equitable, and inclusive basketball programming. As the National Sporting Organization for the sport of basketball in Canada, Canada Basketball aims to remove access barriers in community organizations focused on delivering programs related to coaching and officiating, leadership and skill development, and serving equity-deserving youth groups across Canada.