Former basketball star Marie-Line Petit, who helped lead SFU to its first-ever appearance in the Sweet 16, was named full-time assistant coach on June 6, 2023 after one season as a parttime assistant.
Petit, also known as M, played four seasons at SFU including playing a significant role in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 in 2013, her third year. The 5-foot-6 point guard played 112 games in her university career, averaging five points, 2.5 assists, and nearly one steal per game.
“M was a tremendous leader with great character and she brought those skills to our program during our first few years in NCAA. So, her experience as a leader and point guard will help nurture the young athletes on our team,” said head coach Bruce Langford.
“As an SFU alum, I care deeply about the program and know first-hand the success we've experienced in NAIA, CIS and NCAA,” said Petit. “As excited as I am, I am also a little nervous, because I want to make the community proud and honour the incredible legacy of success of our women’s program.”
“As a player, it wasn't common to see female coaches who were also alumni as well as young mothers,” explained Petit. “Beyond teaching the game, I hope that I can show other women there are many opportunities and you can do it all. I'm also looking forward to my boys growing up surrounded by strong, confident and driven women. I'm thankful to have the support of my family and friends as I know this new endeavour will be challenging but exciting!”
Petit will be taking leave as a teacher at Surrey’s Salish Secondary School. For the past six years she has also been a coach with the VK Basketball club. At the post-secondary level, Petit served as an assistant coach for two years at Douglas College (2015-17), working with fellow SFU alumna Courtney Gerwing.
Petit is also the co-founder of A2A – Average to Amazing sports training for elementary school-aged children.
“M is an energetic, positive person and her enthusiasm combined with her experience will be invaluable,” continued Langford. “Her thirst for growing as a coach and her competitive spirit both fit nicely into our culture.”
Petit graduated from SFU with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2014, she received her BEd from SFU in 2015 and she completed a Master of Education at University of Ottawa in 2016. She is married to SFU alum and former CFL player Adam Berger. Together they have two boys, Samuel and Charlie.
