Four decades. Every level of the game. A lifetime dedicated to teaching, building, and growing basketball in Nova Scotia.

With more than 40 years of coaching experience across every level of the game, Coach McGarrigle has built a reputation as a teacher, leader, and program builder whose impact stretches far beyond the court. His four-decade career includes successful stops in professional basketball as an assistant coach. (Cape Breton Breakers), as a Head Coach at the university level at the University College of Cape Breton (now CBU) and Dalhousie,  national team program as an assistant coach (Canada U-21 Men’s team) , high-school, (Halifax Grammar School & Halifax West) and with grassroots/minor basketball development as the Technical Director for both the Bedford Eagles Minor Basketball Association and  the Halifax Hurricanes Minor Basketball Association.

 McGarrigle began his coaching career at UCCB at the young age of 21. He spent the  next 10 years  building the program  taking it from the Nova Scotia College Conference (now ACAA) to its current AUS level.

 During that ten years his teams won a NSCC championship, and an AUS championship (the first AUS championship in the history of the university in any sport). McGarrigle also was named NSCC and AUS Coach of the Year multiple times.

 Dalhousie University came calling and McGarrigle spent the next 8 years leading the Tigers program. Once again making history, in only his second year at Dal he was the first coach to lead the Men’s Basketball program at Dalhousie to an AUS Championship, and by doing so he became the only coach to win an AUS Championships at two different schools.

Later in his career—and still a point of pride—Coach McGarrigle dedicated significant time to developing the game at the high-school and minor basketball levels. While at Halifax Grammar School his teams won a D3 NSSAF Provincial Championship, and two D1 Metro Regional Championships, the first ever such titles in the history of the Grammar School. Coaching at this level allowed him to lay the foundation for countless young players’ growth. Whether developing fundamental skills or nurturing a love for the game, his influence has shaped generations of athletes and coaches.

Across all levels, Coach McGarrigle is known for his commitment to fundamentals, disciplined team play, player development, and creating positive, competitive environments. His passion for mentorship, leadership, and lifelong learning continues to drive his work within the basketball community.

“Basketball players do not decide their futures; they decide their habits, and their habits decide their futures”.

– Tim McGarrigle