Carol Callan, the longtime director of the U.S. women’s national basketball team, will step down from her position once this month’s Tokyo Olympics conclude, USA Basketball announced Monday.
Callan has held the role since 1995, playing a part in constructing six consecutive Olympic gold-medal winning teams. Callan is stepping down to focus on her position as president of FIBA Americas, according to USA Basketball, a position she was elected to in 2019 — becoming the first woman to hold the role.
She will also consult for USA Basketball’s newly formed foundation that focuses on advancing initiatives for women and youth development in sports. Callan is set to be inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in August.
Callan’s time as the U.S. women’s national basketball team’s director began shortly after the U.S. won bronze medals at the 1992 Olympics and 1994 FIBA Women’s World Cup. But Callan helped turn the national team into a powerhouse, with a gold medal at the 1996 Games. The U.S. has won gold in the subsequent five Olympics, and the team has the chance to win its seventh gold medal in Tokyo this month.
The U.S. has also won five FIBA Women’s World Cup gold medals while Callan has been in charge.
• Andy Kostka can be reached at akostka@washingtontimes.com.
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