It's not where you start... It's where you end up!
The Foundation Year
Both the Men’s and Women’s Basketball programs launched in the foundation year — led by Head Coach Dino Gini for the Men’s team and Coach Andrew Gini for the Women’s team. With no athletic department, no funding, and no gym, the programs were built on vision and community grit. The teams played exhibition games, forged their identities through character and effort, and in their very first year, recorded a win over a nationally ranked Top-10 opponent.
Early Building Blocks
The next phase focused on player development, recruiting, and scrimmages. The programs hosted local ID camps, competed against PACWEST-caliber teams, and strengthened their culture and coaching foundation.
Official PACWEST Debut
The Coyotes then joined the PACWEST league, marking their first official season of collegiate-level play. Both the Men’s and Women’s teams reached the playoffs in their inaugural season, backed by strong support from the local basketball community that helped establish credibility. Coach Dino Gini highlighted the team’s rapid growth and chemistry as cornerstones of their early success.
First Playoff Win
In only their second season, both the Men’s and Women’s teams again made the playoffs and kicked off the year with a historic weekend sweep. Each team claimed two wins in their opening games against Langara College and Columbia Bible College, combining for a perfect four victories across the weekend — a milestone that set the tone for the season.
COVID & Individual Recognition
COVID disrupted the season, but training and culture development continued. While the 2020/21 PACWEST and CCAA seasons were officially cancelled amid pandemic concerns, the Coyotes still found competition by scheduling games against universities. Both teams stayed sharp, and the Men’s team earned a signature win over UBCO, showing the program’s resilience and growing strength despite the challenges.
OC Women’s Basketball Makes History
OC Women’s team won the PACWEST provincial championships in 2022 and advanced to the National Championships. Ranked #5 in the Country.
• Won the PACWEST Championship, upsetting powerhouse VIU.
• Represented PACWEST at CCAA Nationals.Global News
Talent & Identity
The OC teams competed through full PACWEST schedules, gaining both respect and experience. National recruiting expanded, and the development-driven culture continued to solidify. Remarkably, the program still operated without a gym or athletic department support, yet both teams were again ranked in the Top 10 nationally during the season — a testament to the grit and growth of the program.
Statement Year for Women’s Program
OC Women’s Basketball: The team earned a national Top 15 ranking in the first semester. They defeated Columbia Bible College in the PACWEST playoffs, continuing their underdog success, and finished the season with a silver medal after making the PACWEST Championship finals for the second time in three years (Lake Country Calendar, PACWest Title). The Men’s team had a tight playoff loss, and the program graduated five seniors, marking the end of another milestone year.
Hosting Provincials & Full PACWEST Slate
Both Men’s and Women’s teams played a full PACWEST schedule. Okanagan College was selected to host the 2025 PACWEST Championships — a massive accomplishment for a program with no home gym and no funding. The event received incredible feedback for its professionalism and community execution.
Rebuild Year
Andrew Gini took a year off after graduating five players and coached to win the All Native Championship with a number of former OC players.
Redemption
Women’s team signed three top international players while welcoming back Coti Lopez, as well as Anto Luraghi and Ana Britez, both elite players from South America. Elizabeth Henne joined as Assistant Coach; she played six years at OC. Five Indigenous players were also signed this year. The Men’s team added Kaleb Reid-Montgomery as Player Development Coach. Their recruiting class includes athletes from across Canada and the U.S., highlighted by a 6’8” player with a 6’11” wingspan.