University of Regina Faces Backlash Over Potential Replacement of Interim Women's Basketball Coach
Despite an impressive 17-3 conference record and a women's basketball team that reached as high as fourth in the national rankings last season, the University of Regina appears ready to replace interim coach Michaela Kleisinger. This potential move has ignited significant controversy among alumni and supporters, who are urging the university to reconsider.
Kleisinger's Successful Interim Season
Michaela Kleisinger served as the interim head coach for the University of Regina Cougars women's basketball team during the 2025-26 season. Her leadership was recognized when she was named the university's top coach for that year at the varsity sports awards banquet. At the same event, fifth-year guard Cara Misskey won the President's Award, marking the second consecutive year a women's basketball player received this honor, following Jade Belmore's win the previous year.
Kleisinger took over as interim head coach in July after long-time coach Dave Taylor departed to lead the University of British Columbia's women's basketball program. Taylor had been with the Cougars for 19 seasons, helping secure a Canadian championship as an assistant and two conference titles as head coach. Kleisinger had previously served as an assistant coach for three seasons before her interim appointment.
Potential Replacement and Community Reaction
According to sources familiar with the situation, the university is considering Jordan Webb as Kleisinger's replacement. Webb has no prior connections to the Cougars program and no experience as a U Sports head coach. His background includes successful coaching in the United Kingdom before joining Simon Fraser University in 2019 as an assistant coach with their women's basketball team.
When contacted over the weekend, Kleisinger declined to comment, stating she was not supposed to discuss the situation. Webb did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
The news of this potential change has triggered a strong social media backlash. Alumni and supporters are encouraging others to contact the university's athletics department and President Jeff Keshen to voice their complaints. Much of the dissatisfaction stems from Kleisinger's proven record and deep ties to the program being overlooked, coupled with the possibility of hiring a man to lead a women's team that has been one of the university's most successful since its 2000-01 Canadian championship victory.
University's Response and Hiring Procedures
The university did not respond to interview requests made on Monday morning with Lisa Robertson, the director of sport, community engagement and athlete development. A spokesperson indicated that an official update would be provided later that day.
Robertson, who assumed her position in 2017 after playing five years of basketball and working at the University of Calgary, oversees hiring processes that typically involve forming a search committee. This committee recommends a candidate to Robertson, who then presents it to the dean for approval. Notably, only one head coach, Steve Burrows of the men's basketball team, remains from the varsity squads of 2017.
This situation mirrors a previous coaching change two years ago when women's hockey coach Sarah Hodges was replaced. Robertson appointed former star player Brandy West-McMaster as interim coach, who was later promoted to full-time head coach prior to this season.
The ongoing debate highlights tensions between institutional decisions and community expectations, as the University of Regina navigates this sensitive coaching transition amid growing public scrutiny.
