Hugo De Grandis

2018 Honouree – Builder, Basketball

Hugo DeGrandis was fortunate enough to make the sport he loves a family affair when he began coaching his eldest daughter in 1992 when she registered for Brantford CYO Girls Basketball. In 1997, DeGrandis began coaching rep basketball where he worked with all three of his daughters, their teammates, and his wife (team manager), to develop their basketball skills. In 2002 and 2004, DeGrandis lead his teams to the Ontario Basketball Association Division One OBA Championship victory.

DeGrandis continued to coach basketball for eight more years after his daughters had grown, winning Division One OBA Gold in 2005, 2006, 2010, and 2011. He also led his 2006 Champions to another victory at the Eastern Canadian Minor Bantam Girls Championship. DeGrandis and his teams also clenched Division One OBA Silver in 2009 and 2012.

As a member of the Brantford CYO Girls Basketball organization for over 20 years, not only did DeGrandis serve as a coach but also as a Vice President. In 2010 DeGrandis was honoured with the John Macklin Memorial Award for Coach of the Year by the Brantford Sports Council.

Still living in Brantford, DeGrandis is now a proud grandfather to a granddaughter and just may be inspired to take out his coaching whistle once again!