NEWS: Andy Sparks announces retirement from Gee-Gees women’s basketball program
OTTAWA, ON – Andy Sparks, the longest-serving and winningest head coach in University of Ottawa Gee-Gees women's basketball history has announced his retirement on Friday.
Spending a remarkable 13 years with the Gee-Gees, Sparks closes an illustrious career of over 40 years of coaching basketball in the Ottawa area.
Beginning in the 2008-09 season, Sparks shepherded the most successful era in team history. In total, he led the program to six national championship appearances and five OUA Championship appearances, collecting two U SPORTS bronze medals, one OUA gold, four OUA silver, and one OUA bronze medal.
Sparks was named the OUA Coach of the Year for the fifth time in 2018-19, the same year that the team ascended to the no. 1 ranking in the U SPORTS Top 10 poll for the first time. In all, the Ottawa native amassed a regular season record of 188-67 (0.737) and a playoff record of 27-23 (.540).
"Deciding to retire has been one of the most difficult decisions of my life. I always say family comes first and I need to live up to my own words. I am very proud of what we have all accomplished to make this team into a national championship contender and more importantly, a great place to play," said Sparks.
"Coaching has been one of my life's passions and it has been an honour to coach at the University of Ottawa. I have been fortunate to develop so many great relationships with players, parents, coaches, and colleagues over the past thirteen years. It has been my best and most rewarding job ever and I will miss it tremendously. I look forward to being a Gee-Gees fan and wish the program continued success!"
The Gee-Gees qualified for the OUA playoffs in each of Sparks seasons as head coach. The team claimed first place in its division during the regular season six times under Sparks, including a program-best 21-2 record in 2018-19, the best overall record in the OUA.
"Andy is considered one of the top women's basketball coaches in Canada. For 40 years he has had tremendous success at the high school, community, and provincial levels. The last 13 years he has turned the Gee-Gees women's basketball program into a perennial national contender," said Sue Hylland, Director of Varsity Athletics at uOttawa.
"Known by everyone as a strong technical coach, he has produced many winning teams, and taken the careers of many of his players to another level. He has developed a nationally recognized program that is in great shape for years to come. Thank you coach for your immense contributions, both on and off the court."
A University of Ottawa graduate in physical education and education, Sparks coached girls and boys championship teams at Ashbury College, Nepean H.S., and Cornwall Collegiate for over twenty years, earning the OFSAA Leadership in School Sport Award in 1997. He was also an assistant coach with the national championship-winning Carleton Ravens men's team in 2004-05.
In March 2012, Sparks was named head coach of Canada Basketball's Junior Women's National Team. At the FIBA Americas U18 Championship for Women in Puerto Rico, Sparks guided his national squad to a 2-3 finish and a semi-final appearance, qualifying them for the 2013 FIBA World U19 World Championship.
In 2018, he received the United Way Community Builder Award for his work to advocate for mental health in sport. 
"It was a pleasure having Andy as my coach for six years. I have learned an incredible amount from him, not only about basketball, but life as well," said Gee-Gees alumna and current assistant coach Sarah Besselink. "This program would not be where it is without his dedication to excellence and commitment to each player that has passed through. I wish him all the best in his retirement. I know his grandkids will keep him busy!"
Sparks' career .737 regular season winning percentage ranks second highest among active OUA women's basketball coaches.
With the Gee-Gees women's basketball program celebrating its fiftieth anniversary this upcoming season, there is no doubting the special place Sparks holds in the program's history.
In retirement, Sparks looks forward to spending well-deserved time with his family and friends and enjoying some rest and relaxation on Prince Edward Island.
Sparks will officially begin his retirement on July 1. A transition plan is currently underway for the head coaching position, with more information to come at a later date.
Andy Sparks Career Totals at uOttawa:
- Regular season record: 188-67**
- Regular season winning percentage: 73.7% *
- Playoff record: 27-23**
- Overall record vs U SPORTS competition: 273-124**
- National Championship appearances: 6 (2018-19, 2015-16, 2012-13, 2011-12, 2009-10, 2008-09)*
- National Championship medals: 2 bronze (2018-19, 2011-12)*
- OUA Championships: 1 (2011-12)
- OUA Medals: 4 silver (2018-19, 2015-16, 2009-10, 2008-09), 1 bronze (2012-13)*
- Conference Coach of the Year Awards: 5 (2008-09, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2015-16, 2018-19)*
- Seasons coached: 13 (includes COVID-19 cancelled season 2020-21)*
- Seasons in playoffs: 12*
* (Gee-Gees record)
**(Gee-Gees record for wins and games coached)