Coach Mau Belen continues her rise after she was recently nominated by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) to take part in the FIBA World Association of Basketball Coaches (WABC) Level 1 Female Instructor Course from June 20 to 22 in Dubai.

She was one of 15 coaches that came from Asia, Europe, and Oceania to attend the first-ever coaching course for women. This is a huge milestone for FIBA, as they continue to strengthen their support of Women’s Basketball, which is one of their strategic priorities in the current cycle of 2019-2023.

“I am very proud of the work the WABC has undertaken to support FIBA’s National Federations in empowering their coach instructors and promoting Women in Basketball,” explained Patrick Hunt, the World Association of Basketball Coaches president.

The coaches that took part in the course learned skills that would help in the way they present different basketball methods, concepts, and approaches, specifically how to present these to other coaches.

“This experience has been life-changing and is definitely on top of my list as I get to work and learn with some of the best female coaches all around the world,” shared Belen of her experience working with international coaches.

Being part of this course is just an example of the grind Belen goes through to continue to get better in her craft. She continues to work hard to improve the quality of women’s basketball in the country. As she rises, she hopes to take women’s hoops with her.

“Kudos to FIBA and WABC for giving us a platform to enhance our knowledge about the sport, forming a one-of-a-kind group, and providing us with the skills to help uplift women in basketball by teaching coaches in our country and abroad,” said Belen.

Last year, Belen became the first-ever female to be part of the PBA coaching staff. She followed up that historic feat by helping TNT win the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup. After her first championship, she then took the reins of the TNT 3×3 team as their head coach. She’s coached the team to several first-place finishes in the first three conferences of the league.

Photo from Coach Mau Belen Facebook Page