Serbian-Australian coach Jelena Todorović has made sports history in Brazil, becoming the first woman ever appointed head coach of a men’s professional basketball team in the country. At just 31, Todorović takes the helm at Fortaleza Basquete Cearense, marking not only a gender milestone but also becoming the second-youngest coach in Brazil’s top league.
A trailblazer on and off the court, Todorović brings a unique international pedigree to the role. In addition to her new position in Brazil, she serves as Director of Operations at the EuroLeague Coaches Association, further cementing her as one of the rising strategic voices in global basketball.
“I’m here not only as a coach, but as a representative of my family, my people, and my country,” said Todorović upon signing. “I am fully committed to leaving a meaningful and lasting mark on Brazilian basketball—one that goes beyond wins and losses and reaches the heart of the community.”
Her appointment sends a powerful signal about the evolving face of leadership in global sports—and places Serbia once again on the map as a source of game-changing coaching talent.
