After 29 seasons of head coaching the McMaster women’s basketball team, Theresa Burns reflects on her long career after deciding to retire
One of McMaster’s most long-standing and successful head coaches has been Theresa Burns. She has been at the reins of the Marauders women’s basketball team since 1992. Along the way, she has won five Ontario University Athletics titles.
Burns began her career coaching at McMaster after a stint at Toronto Metropolitan University, formerly known as Ryerson University. After this, she began her journey at McMaster University.
Burns recounted her introduction to McMaster Athletics and the interpersonal relationships that kept her at McMaster for such a long duration of time.
“McMaster just felt right. I think there's a real collegiality amongst the coaches here, amongst our McMaster coaches, there's a real sense of family, when I came here. Also amongst the athletic departments, so just a really nice environment to be in,” said Burns.
McMaster just felt right. I think there's a real collegiality amongst the coaches here . . . just a really nice environment to be in.
Theresa Burns
Former Head Coach, McMaster Women’s Basketball
Despite these positive feelings, Burns feels that the timing is now right for her to move on from coaching the women’s basketball team. She began thinking about retirement earlier this year and finally decided to go for it after the end of this year’s OUA season.
“It's just time. You know you start thinking about it and I kind of gave myself this year to think about it. And then once we hit the end of the season, I just felt like, yeah, this is probably the best time,” said Burns.
For Burns and her team, the past season has been strong. The team made it to the OUA quarter-finals, before being beaten by Carleton University. For Burns, she believes the team’s current athletes will carry the team forward after she leaves.
“So I think that leadership that they've sort of shown to the group will now be there and now the younger ones who are moving up are going to have that knowledge and experience to draw on. So I think they just left a really beautiful legacy for the athletes coming behind them and that was one of the most special parts of it,” said Burns.
Burns discussed she will be taking time to reflect on what she wants for her future and fondly acknowledges the memories she has made from her tenure as head coach.
“I'm gonna sit down over the summer and catch my breath and like I said, I've got a wealth of memories to keep me company all summer and as I sit back and reflect. And then like no firm plans for what's next yet, but I think I just need a little bit of quiet headspace to start thinking about that and so I'm gonna take that for myself this summer,” said Burns.
I've got a wealth of memories to keep me company all summer . . . I just need a little bit of quiet headspace to start thinking about [what’s next].
Theresa Burns
Former Head Coach, McMaster Women’s Basketball
Who will lead the McMaster women’s basketball team after Burns is yet to be announced. Though, Burns rests assured that the skills she has left her team with will prime them for success regardless
Veteran Marauders basketball assistant coach Sheldon Cassimy returns as the Brantford Honey Badgers head coach for a second year
On Tuesday, Mar. 11, 2025, the Brantford Honey Badgers announced that their head coach, Sheldon Cassimy, will return for another season. Cassimy also serves as the assistant head coach for the Marauders men's basketball team.
The Honey Badgers are one of 10 teams in the Canadian Elite Basketball League, a men’s professional basketball league in Canada.
While Cassimy appreciates the Honey Badgers bringing him back, he understands there is still work to be done.
“The re-signing was great and I’m grateful for that, but I’m more so focused on taking care of business. The jitters and excitement might hit me once training camp starts, but I’m pretty even-keeled right now,” said Cassimy.
The re-signing was great and I’m grateful for that, but I’m more so focused on taking care of business.
Sheldon Cassimy
Head Coach, Brantford Honey Badgers
Cassimy has been coaching basketball since he was 19. He started as a coach for a church league, working his way up the ladder. Last March, he was announced as the new head coach for the Brantford Honey Badgers.
Despite finishing his first year with more losses than wins, Cassimy told The Silhouette that he learned valuable skills.
“From that first season, I really learned how important communication was and how to communicate better, whether it be with your players or coaching staff. It’s something I am consciously trying to get better at and I hope it can help us develop better team chemistry,” said Cassimy.
In addition to coaching the Badgers, Cassimy has served as the assistant head coach for the Marauders men's basketball team for the past four years.
“It’s been great coaching the Marauders. Being able to help and mentor these players to hopefully be pros is great and I enjoy it,” said Cassimy.
The Marauders did not finish where they wanted to last season, ending with six wins and 16 losses and missing the OUA playoffs. Still, Cassimy believes there is a lot to take away from the season.
“I feel like from the Marauder season, I’m able to learn and get better through different experiences. And I’m excited to try out different things. Whether it be new terminology, different schemes, or trying things out in practice, I'm excited to implement what I learned with the Marauders for next season with the Badgers,” said Cassimy.
Cassimy acknowledged the difficulty of coaching two separate teams. Due to his responsibilities with the Honey Badgers, he is unable to be as active as he wants to be during the Marauders’ summer training camps. Still, he praised his coaching staff for making it easier to balance both positions.
“I’m lucky to work with a great coach, Patrick Tatum, who wants his assistant head coaches to continue to grow. He makes it easy for me to do both jobs. I think being a part of the CEBL and coaching the Honey Badgers helps enhance the Marauders team. Both positions work hand-in-hand for me,” said Cassimy.
Being a part of the CEBL and coaching the Honey Badgers helps enhance the Marauders team
Sheldon Cassimy
Assistant Head Coach, McMaster Men’s Basketball
The Badgers' CEBL season will begin on May 18, 2025, when they take on the Montréal Alliance.
In a weekend with both volleyball and basketball games occurring, McMaster Black Student Athlete Council spotlights Black student-athletes and local businesses
On Feb. 8, the McMaster Black Student Athlete Council hosted its Super Saturday event for Black History Month, coinciding with four Marauders sports games on campus. The event is one of McMaster BSAC’s most prominent and included a range of vendors from the local community.
The day started with a women’s basketball game, followed by men’s basketball, then women’s and men’s volleyball.
McMaster BSAC’s president, Haben Yohannes, emphasized that when planning the event, his team wanted it to make an impact on both students and the community.
“As for the event itself, the idea was we didn't want to make it performative. It was like, how can we have value and impact? We're not going to just have a game just to have a game. We're gonna do it so we can have some sort of impact,” said Yohannes.
We’re not going to just have a game just to have a game. We're gonna do it so we can have some sort of impact.
Haben Yohannes, President
McMaster Black Student Athlete Council
One key feature of the event was the playing of a video by Tayo Smith and Mice Cibangu, members of BSAC’s executive team. The video provided a narration and visual about the weight of expectation that can be felt by Black student-athletes and how their presence inspires future generations.
“So the video we made was very intentional. I'd like to shout out Tayo Smith. . . he did an amazing job leading that project with one of our executives,
Along with showing the video at the game, the event brought Black-owned businesses to campus.
“We had a Black market and club showcase in the mezzanine. These small vendors came in and they sold their products, and those products are informed by their culture. So we don't need to sit in an assembly and be like, ‘Black culture is this.’ You can just see it live in action—that was the intention,” said Yohannes.
You can just see it live in action—that was the intention.
Haben Yohannes, President
McMaster Black Student Athlete Council
McMaster BSAC also aimed for this event to create a space for wider community engagement. They sent out invitations to local sports clubs and community sponsors to attend.
“We reached out to STA, which is the Steeltown Athletic Club. They have a basketball program, and we provided them with some free tickets to engage some of our community sponsors. The women's basketball team, they brought in teams that they've worked with. So we really tried to engage the community and have that impact,” said Yohannes.
As the Super Sunday event for Black History Month came and passed, BSAC is proud that they successfully brought together McMaster students and the sports and athletics community in Hamilton, while highlighting Black-owned businesses and student-athletes. For future events and information about BSAC, you can visit their Instagram.
Despite strong performances from their stars, the Marauders men’s basketball season comes to an end with two losses
Over the weekend of Feb. 15, 2025, the McMaster Marauders men’s basketball team faced off against Toronto Metropolitan University’s Bold and the University of Toronto’s Varsity Blues in their two final games of the Ontario University Athletics season. Despite their strong efforts, the Marauders lost both games, falling 70–68 against TMU and 77–53 against the Blues.
On Saturday, Feb. 15, the Marauders played a tight game against TMU. The teams traded baskets, and despite shooting poorly from the field in the first quarter, the Marauders scored more field goals and three-pointers in the second quarter, keeping the score close at 37–35 by halftime.
In the third quarter, TMU outscored the Marauders, but clutch shots from Moody Qasim and Mike Demagus kept the game close in the fourth quarter.
In the third quarter, TMU outscored the Marauders, but clutch shots from Moody Qasim and Mike Demagus kept the game close in the fourth quarter.
Both Demagus and Qasim led the team in total points over the season, with 244 and 220, respectively. Qasim had a strong season overall, making 26 three-pointers.
Despite the Marauders’ strong efforts, the TMU Bold scored a few final, decisive points in the last seconds of the game, winning 70–68 and dropping the Marauders’ record to 6 wins and 14 losses for the season.
Despite the Marauders’ strong efforts, the TMU Bold scored a few final, decisive points in the last seconds of the game, winning 70–68 . . .
While their first game was close, the same could not be said for the second. The Marauders played the Varsity Blues at home and lost 77–53.
The Marauders had a strong first quarter, holding a 16–15 lead. Both Qasim and Demagus led the Marauders, scoring 12 and 8 points, respectively. Despite the two making pivotal shots throughout the half, the Blues proved too much to handle, outscoring them in the second quarter and ultimately securing the win.
The two losses eliminated the Marauders from OUA championship contention. They finished the season with 6 wins and 16 losses, placing them second last in their division.
Despite their results this season, the Marauders men’s basketball team will look to come back stronger next year.
After losing six games at the start of the season, the men’s basketball team has struggled to find a way to win
The men’s basketball team kicked off their Ontario University Athletics season on Oct. 25 against Ontario Tech University. The Marauders hosted the game, but were not able to to win as they lost with a score of 78 to 88.
After their home opener loss, it would take the Marauders five more losses to find their first win.
After their home opener loss, it would take the Marauders five more losses to find their first win.
On Oct. 27, the Marauders hosted a game against Laurier University. The team lost with a score of 67 to 73. Sixth year guard Mike Demagus led the game in points, scoring 19 in total, but this was still not enough to win.
On Nov. 1. and Nov. 2. the Marauders traveled to Thunder Bay, Ontario to take on the Lakehead University Thunderwolves in back-to-back games. The series saw two more losses added to the Marauder’s record, as they lost the first game with a score of 76 to 91 and the second 73 to 76.
On Nov. 8, the Marauders were unable to win against Western University, finishing the game with a score of 78 to 88. A faceoff against the University of Windsor on Nov. 9 saw the Marauders lose 75 to 95.
However, the Marauders picked up their first win of the OUA season against Nipissing University, finishing 83 to 76. Demagus led the team in points, scoring 17 total. Third-year Anthony Warzeszcz helped in the scoring, putting up 11 total points.
However, after this poor run of form, the Marauders picked up their first win of the OUA season against Nipissing University finishing 83 to 76.
The Marauders will look to turn their season around as they head into the second half. They still have 15 more OUA games to play, with some worthy opponents to face. They will play against USport's seventh placed Carleton University on Nov. 23 and sixth placed Toronto Metropolitan University on Feb. 15, 2025.
Up next, the team faces Laurentian University on Nov. 16 at home in the Burridge gym. This will reveal whether the team has truly improved their game following their first OUA season win.
Theresa Burns reflects on years coaching women’s basketball after her 607 career coaching wins, the second most by a coach in U Sport’s history
Theresa Burns started her coaching career immediately after her career as a student athlete. After four years of playing basketball for the University of Toronto, she began coaching for a university team.
“I was 24. I was coaching the university team. It was crazy. There were lots of moments of thinking, what am I doing? Talk about a steep learning curve,” said Burns.
She kicked off her career coaching the then Ryerson University's, now Toronto Metropolitan University, women’s basketball team, without any prior experience. She was encouraged to pursue the opportunity by her university head coach Michèle Bélanger. Burns detailed how her career began.
“Just towards the end of I think, May, I guess my last year she's like "you know, you should think about coaching," and I had never thought about it. And then, the following year when the Ryerson job came open, she's like, you should apply. And I was like, I'm not ready to do that, like, at all, like, not even close, but when your coach tells you to do something, you do it. It was good advice,” said Burns.
Burns said she went on to coach this team for four years before coming to McMaster in 1992. Still a young coach with little experience, Burns highlighted how McMaster’s then director of athletics and recreation, Therese Quigley, helped her to settle in.
“[I was] just really grateful that she took a chance on a young coach and I think right through those years, those early years, especially that the athletic department was very close and very tight knit and just really good people. As a young employee and a young coach, having that support and that feeling of support around you was really important and I'm really grateful for that,” said Burns.
As Burns began working with the Marauders, she started to learn even more and in the process she began to pick up better results than she had in her previous role. Her first two seasons saw Burns only pick up four wins in total, but this began to change in the 1994-1995 season.
That season saw Burns earn a total of seven wins. The next season was even more of an improvement, with the Marauders winning ten games and capturing the bronze medal in the league. After this, Burns started to win league games more often than not, solidifying her identity as a successful coach.
As Burns has progressed through her time with McMaster, she has continued improving herself as a coach. She has won five total Ontario University Athletics titles and two national level titles in her time with McMaster. She has totaled 607 total wins, making her the coach with the second highest number of women's basketball wins in U Sport history.
With this achievement, Burns sees it as a credit to all who have helped her along the way to make the women's basketball team into what it is today.
“I just wanna say Anne Marie, Ed Andrew Kelly Danny and all the assistant coaches that have been in this program. And many of those names I mentioned were like a decade, two decades with us. These are their victories, you know, you build a village, you have to have all those support networks in place and having those good people are what make our program special. Those coaches coached that long in our program because they were special and they believed in what we were doing,” said Burns.
I just wanna say Anne Marie, Ed Andrew Kelly Danny and all the assistant coaches that have been in this program. And many of those names I mentioned were like a decade, two decades with us. These are their victories.
Theresa Burns, head coach
McMaster Women's Basketball team
As the women’s basketball season continues, Burns will look to add more wins to her total. The team’s next game will take place on Nov. 15. against Nipissing University.
Marauders' men’s basketball sees loss in first game of the season but maintains hope for success throughout the year overall
On Friday Oct. 25th, the Marauders' men's basketball team faced the Ontario Tech University's Ridgebacks in their home season opener to kickstart their season.
The match started off fairly evenly, until halfway through the second quarter when the Marauders extended their lead to 8 points; 41-32. However, the Ridgebacks went on a 15-1 run during the second half and in the end won the game 88-78.
The Ridgebacks went on a 15-1 run during the second half and in the end won the game 88-78.
Basketball is a game of runs and this really showed in the third quarter. The Marauders didn’t go down without a fight and managed to keep the score within a one-point difference midway through the third quarter. But after this the Ridgebacks went on a 16-3 run which secured their victory.
The Ridgebacks were not an unfamiliar opponent to the Marauders. Earlier this year on Jan. 13, 2024, the Ridgebacks defeated the Marauders 85 to 72.
Marauders' men's basketball center Brendan Amoyaw, who was injured for the majority of last season, returned to the starting line-up tonight. “I felt like I had a good rhythm going in the first half, but one thing that I could work on is staying out of foul trouble. Overall though, it was a good first game back for me ... Another big personal goal of mine is to stay healthy. I know the numbers will come with solid minutes,” said Amoyaw.
The team seemed to have some trouble executing offensive plays, with the defense from the Ridgebacks forcing many turnovers throughout the game. “We could’ve been better at running the offensive plays,” said Amoyaw.
We could’ve been better at running the offensive plays.
Brendan Amoyaw, player
McMaster Men's Basketball
Although the Marauders lost this, there were many positives to take away from it as the Marauders are setting their sights on reaching the finals this season and bringing home the championship.
For example, the Marauders had 41 rebounds to the Ridgeback's 35 , which led to many second chance points. Amoyaw spoke about his thoughts on the team's chances of success throughout the rest of the year. "I think we definitely have the capacity to win OUAs and U Sports this year. We just need to be more consistent," said Amoyaw.
As the men’s basketball team goes on with their season, the Marauders will need to improve upon what they have learned from their game against the Ridgeback if they do want to win U Sports. If the men's basketball team does win U Sports this year, this would be their first time doing so.
Facing tough match-ups with newfound confidence in the playoffs, the Marauders women's basketball team has a promising future ahead of them
The McMaster University women's basketball team's journey through the playoffs was a clear display of the team’s potential to stand toe-to-toe with the country's best. The team was faced with tough match-ups, particularly in their quarterfinal match against the Carleton University Ravens, the top team in the Ontario University Athletics and U Sports, on Feb. 24.
Jenna Button, a player on the women's basketball team, highlighted their increase in confidence throughout the season, a critical factor in their ability to compete at the highest level.
"I truly believe that, even though we are such a young team. We have incredible athletes that put in the work to be able to compete with the top teams in the country. I think [the team’s confidence] will come with a little bit more experience," said Button.
I truly believe that, even though we are such a young team. We have incredible athletes that put in the work to be able to compete with the top teams in the country. I think [the team’s confidence] will come with a little bit more experience.
Jenna Button, Marauders women's basketball team
This faith was not misplaced, as the Marauders demonstrated their capabilities in the tightly contested playoff run against the Ravens.
“They’re a great team. . .So that was obviously a huge challenge for us. Going up to Ottawa as well, it’s a tough gym to play in," said Button.
Despite the odds, the Marauders approached the game with determination.
"We were the underdogs in that game; we had nothing to lose, and we did. We frickin’ gave them a run for their money. . .We stuck with them for three quarters, and then, unfortunately, things didn’t go our way in the fourth quarter," said Button.
We were the underdogs in that game; we had nothing to lose, and we did. We frickin’ gave them a run for their money. . .We stuck with them for three quarters, and then, unfortunately, things didn’t go our way in the fourth quarter.
Jenna Button, Marauders women's basketball team
The 77-94 defeat was a mix of disappointment and pride for the team. However, the season’s overall success and 16-8 record was a testament to the team's resilience and their solid foundation for the future.
Especially in their victory against Wilfrid Laurier University and the hard-fought game against Carleton, the Marauder’s playoff performance highlighted their potential and the bright future that lies ahead.
As they continue to grow and gain more experience, their faith in their ability to compete with any team in the country only strengthens, promising thrilling seasons to come for the women's basketball team.
Following the Marauders basketball team’s 74-67 win against the TMU Bold, they gear up for their next challenge against the Queen’s Gaels
As the McMaster University Marauders continue their Ontario University Athletics playoffs, the air is thick with anticipation.
Coming off a vigorous win against the Toronto Metropolitan University Bold, the team is riding a wave of confidence while maintaining a realistic outlook of the challenges ahead.
The Marauders’ recent victory over TMU began with a rocky start as they fell behind in the early stages of the game. The Bold's aggressive opening led to them securing the first quarter 20-12. However, the resilient mindset within the squad picked up as the game carried on.
Sparked by Nathan Charles' steal and reverse layup, McMaster clawed back, gradually overturning the score through strategic plays and sheer determination.
This win was particularly sweet given the team's journey so far. Facing the departure of some veteran players, the injuries of key players like Ares Culley-Bremner and Brendan Amoyaw and integrating fresh talent have been formidable challenges this year.
"At the beginning of the season, people thought that we weren’t going to win thatt much. We lost a lot of our players [and] our veterans… We really just have to go out there and do what we know we can do," stated Charles.
As attention turns to the upcoming game against Queen's University on Feb. 24, the Marauders know what faces them ahead. Previous encounters have tested their abilities, with the last matchup ending in a 76-67 win for the Gaels. The Gaels’ physicality and focus on dominating the paint present significant obstacles the team will look forward to.
"We know we’re going to have to play physical. Queen’s is one of the better teams. . .I’m going to try and set the tone early so we can hopefully go up in the first and second quarter and keep on building from there," said Charles.
As the team prepares to take on Queen’s, who come into the playoffs with an 11 game winning streak, their strategy aims to match physicality with tenacity, focus on teamwork and maintain the momentum. The playoffs are not just a test of skill but a testament to the Marauders' spirit and resilience.
With their eyes on the prize, the team is ready to give it their all, setting an inspiring example of what it means to compete with heart and hustle.
After a winter's time off, the Marauders basketball teams have opened the season in great form
Kicking off their season on Nov. 1., both the McMaster University men and women’s basketball teams began their Ontario University Athletics seasons on the right foot against Laurier University. The women’s basketball team was able to pick up a win against the Golden Hawks with a score of 80-75 while the men’s team finished 75-72.
Both teams proceeded to post mixed results with their record throughout the months of November and December. The women picked up a record of five wins and five losses and the men turned in five wins and four losses.
Having very similar records going into the break, both teams likely looked to improve in the second half of the season. With the month of December away from OUA games, the rosters sought to come back stronger after their rest and time away from competitive play.
Having very similar records going into the break, both teams likely looked to improve in the second half of the season.
The teams resumed their season on Jan. 6., facing York University at home in Hamilton. It would seem as though the break did the Marauders well, with both teams chalking up a victory against the opposing Lions.
It would seem as though the break did the Marauders well, with both teams chalking up a victory against the opposing Lions.
The women’s team was able to finish the game off with a score of 82-74. Leading the game in points, fifth-year Jenna Button put together a stellar night, helping the Marauders win while putting up 30 points. Third-year guard Delaney Bourget also chipped in with her relentless work on the defensive end, grabbing down six rebounds to finish the game.
The men’s team beat York with a score of 93-77. Mike Demangus capped off a great team performance, finishing the game with 27 points and keeping in top form as he has been this season. Third-year Elijah Bethune cleaned up defensively with 15 rebounds against the Lions.
As each team heads into the second half of the season, they will look to keep in the form they’ve hit to start the year.
