The Pioneers thank and farewell Head Coach Pete Godfrey

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The 2026 NBL1 South season has come to an end for the Mount Gambier Pioneers following a season of mixed results for their women’s and men’s programs.

The OnefortyOne Pioneers season ended on Saturday night going down to the Melbourne Tigers in an elimination final by 14 points at Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre. The Castec Rural Pioneers didn’t qualify for the post season registering 7 wins and 15 losses.

Following the conclusion of the season Pioneers board of management wish to advise that the club has parted ways with Castec Rural Pioneers Head Coach Pete Godfrey following the completion of the 2026 NBL1 South season.

Pioneers President Tom Kosch thanked Godfrey for his contribution to the Club.

"At the start of the 2026 season Pete accepted the challenge of succeeding Richard Hill, the clubs longest serving and most successful coach. Throughout the season he approached that responsibility with professionalism, integrity and commitment, qualities for which he is well respected across Victorian basketball."

"On behalf of the Board, our members, volunteers, sponsors and the wider Pioneers community, I thank Pete for his contribution to the Club and wish him every success in the future."

Godfrey said he was naturally disappointed by the Club's decision but remained grateful for the opportunity to have led the Pioneers.

"Coaching the Mount Gambier Pioneers has been a privilege. I'd like to thank Tom Kosch, the Board, our sponsors, members, volunteers and supporters for the opportunity to be part of such a storied basketball organisation."

"Most importantly, I'd like to thank the 2026 playing group and staff. We were presented with an exceptionally challenging season, and together we met that challenge with resilience and professionalism. I have been coaching for a long time. Sometimes you win, sometimes you don’t. That’s just the nature of sport.”

“I am disappointed that I won't have the opportunity to continue building the program, but I sincerely hope the foundations established this season contribute positively to the Club's future.”

"As I reminded the players throughout the closing weeks of the season, people will remember how you finish. I leave the Pioneers with no regrets about taking on the role and wish the Club every success in the years ahead."

The Mount Gambier Pioneers thank Pete Godfrey for his contribution during the 2026 NBL1 South season and wish him well in his future coaching endeavours.

The Pioneers Basketball Club will begin the search for their next Head Coach of the men’s program.