The Truro Tidal Queens have been unleashing a lot of firsts.
As an expansion team that is going to hold true.
But one of biggest firsts the Tidal Queens have accomplished is naming the first head coach in the history of the MWBA’s newest team.
Truro announced long-time coach and basketball support, Lonnie States, will be the first coach for the Hoop Queens.
States is not a stranger to the MWBA.
He has been an assistant coach with the Lake City 56ers of Dartmouth/Cole Harbour/Preston, helping head coach Patrick Havard lead the team to the 2025 regular season title and a trip to the Legacy Cup final where the squad lost a dramatic overtime decision to Miramichi Her-Icanes.
‘We’ve got our leader,’ the Tidal Queens said in a social media announcement. ‘Lonnie brings the heart of a champion, a teacher’s mindset and a fire for growing the women’s game in our community.’
States has been involved in basketball for over three decades.
He is a familiar face in the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association as a long-time associate coach with the Holland College Hurricanes men’s team, has coached at various pro levels in Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia and has guided numerous youth teams over the years.
‘This isn’t just a hire, it’s a statement,’ said the Truro organization, spearheaded by Robbie McGee and Cindy MacNeil of Halifax. ‘Lonnie has coached, mentored and inspired players at every level. Now, he’s ready to build something special in Truro. The Tidal Queens are here, we’re serious and we’ve got a champion leading the way.’
MWBA commissioner Jen Lloyd of Dartmouth, NS, has known States a long time.
‘Lonnie has such a pleasant and cool demeanour and is a teacher at heart,’ Lloyd said. ‘The Truro organization certainly has not been shy since joining our league. We are loving their public relations and marketing. One step at a time and they’re certainly doing it the right way.’
The Tidal Queens are the MWBA’s eighth team since the league’s inception in 2022 when it started with six teams.
Truro joins Nova Scotia rivals Lake City, Halifax Thunder and Halifax Hornets in the Nova Scotia Division. The New Brunswick Division features Miramichi, Fredericton Freeze, Moncton Mystics and Port City Fog of Saint John.
The league begins its fifth season the opening weekend of May, 2026.
