Female Apprentice Coach Program Recipients
Friday, 12 September 2008 17:34
The Female Apprentice Coach Program is aimed at targeting the rich source of potential female coaches in the ranks of graduating student-athletes and creating a new coaching position, the apprentice coach, to begin the coaching careers of the successful applicants. The CCAA is working towards the goal of at least one female member of each woman’s sport program’s coaching staff. Incentives are offered to institutions that offer apprentice coach positions on their coaching staff within the CCAA sports of soccer, volleyball, basketball, badminton golf and cross country running. The grant is identified for use as a) professional development opportunities in either NCCP-related courses or in conjunction with provincial sport organizations and CCAA events, and (b) operational costs associated with the apprentice coach.
The program committee also recognized the need for continued professional development funds for certifications, clinics and other learning experiences for those new coaches who are beyond their apprentice year and for that reason, funds have also been granted to seven recipients, this season, to support their ongoing coaching education. Four such grants were allocated in 2007-08.
“The Project Committee of the Female Coach Apprentice Program of the CCAA is enthused to broaden the program’s benefits to more new female coaches across Canada. With increased funding from Sport Canada, we have been able to allocate funds to new apprentice coaches as well as provide professional development funds for those women who are in assistant coach roles and wish to continue to increase their competence. The experiences and education that these applicants will receive in the upcoming year will certainly enrich the Canadian coaching ranks in the future,” states Project Chair Yvonne Becker.
We are therefore pleased to announce that the following will be receiving funding from the 2008-09 CCAA Female Apprentice Coach Program.
University of Northern British Columbia’s – Women’s Basketball Program
Apprentice Coach Lindsay Anderson a graduate of the University of Northern British Columbia women’s varsity basketball team, Lindsay has had the recent opportunity to train and play in Poland and the Czech Republic with the Sparta Praha. Lindsay enjoys a competitive, goal oriented, athletic atmosphere and coaching is an avenue in which she can continue to be a part of such an environment. Lindsay’s coaching experience thus far includes coaching multiple junior and high school aged kids in city leagues, regional development programs and summer camps. Through the apprentice program experience she hopes to increase her technical and strategic knowledge of the game.
Mentor Coach Loralyn Murdoch head coach of the UNBC Timberwolves Women’s Basketball since 1997, completed the 8-month National Coaching Institute in 2006 and acquired her NCCP Certification Level IV. During this time, she worked under Ken Shields who will also be working hands on with this year’s women’s program. Loralyn states that “being a mentor coach is a huge responsibility and one that I am eager to take. It will require that I am not only accountable to me and the UNBC program, but to providing opportunities and experiences to another coach so she can learn and grow as both a coach and person.” Loralyn will be able to certify Lindsay for Levels I and II Technical for basketball and involve her as a head coach with the Northern Regional Training Center in Prince George.
Capilano College - Women’s Basketball Program
Apprentice Coach Amanda Beers played two years of basketball for the Capilano blues before playing for the University of British Columbia. Amanda has worked numerous basketball camps over the past six years. Coaching is something that Amanda definitely sees in her future and this opportunity will provide coaching education and build confidence in order to coach at a higher level. Having played five years of University, Amanda’s experience will be extremely beneficial to those girls just starting at the college level.
Mentor Coach Paul Chiarenza has coached for the past 16 years and has been the head coach of the Capilano Blues since 1999. Paul’s coaching credentials include Canada Basketball Centre for Performance, assistant coach at Simon Fraser University, founder of the Triple Threat Basketball Club as well as various regional and provincial teams. At this point in his coaching career, Paul feels that it is time to become a role model for young coaches like so many coaches were to him.
Camosun College – Women’s Basketball Program
Apprentice Coach Courtenay Parks is a recent graduate of the Camosun chargers basketball program. Her experience as a player in BCCAA combined with her education background in Early childhood Education makes her an ideal candidate for the program. She is experienced, dedicated and eager to expand her kills and knowledge in becoming a coach.
Mentor Coach Brett Wescott Head Coach of the Chargers is a very passionate and hard working coach taking on many roles and responsibilities in the development of female basketball players. Brett is NCCP certified 2 and has completed his Level III Technical and practical components. Coach Wescott, believes this apprentice program will extend the coaching opportunities they have provided for females in their club program.
Camosun College – Women’s Volleyball Program
Apprentice Coach Kim Ramsay graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor degree in Psychology and played volleyball throughout her university career in the US. An opportunity to be an apprentice Coach at Camosun is a perfect stepping stone for her future career aspirations to one day become a head coach. With the opening of the new Pacific Institute of Sports Excellence at Camosun in Fall/08, both Kim and her Mentor Allison will have exposure to high performance coaching services offered through the institute.
Mentor Coach Alison Hitesman has been involved in coaching women’s volleyball for over 20 years She has spent much of her time developing young players through school and club programs. Coach Hitesman has received guidance in an ad hoc manner along her way, but feels the formal setting that this program offers will allow an aspiring coach to have a smoother progression into a successful career.
Capilano College – Women’s Volleyball Program
Apprentice Coach Michelle Alblas graduated from Capilano in 2006 and was named to the BCCAA all-Star team 3 of the 4 years that she played. Michele has experience coaching high school volleyball, basketball and being a clinician at Capilano College’s summer volleyball camps. She enjoys developing players and want to further her coaching skills. She believes the apprenticeship will allow her to gain the additional and quality skills necessary to further her coaching abilities. Through this experience she is confident she will be able to walk away better equipped to provide quality experiences for the athletes she plans to coach.
Mentor Coach Wayne Desjardins, for the past 31 years, has been a Physical Education Teacher at the secondary school level in West Vancouver. During this time, he has coached numerous teams in a wide variety of sports. For the past 9 years, he has been the Women’s Volleyball Head Coach at Capilano College. Coach Desjardins exudes a wealth of knowledge as a mentor coach and for the last two years, Michelle has assisted Coach Desjardins and the Capilano Blues Women’s volleyball Team in a number of coaching capacities.
Douglas College –Badminton Program
Apprentice Coach Sian Deng is a former member of the Douglas Royals badminton squad, who has set her sites on Coaching. Sian Deng will have one advantage over several of her coaching counterparts in that she has experienced competing internationally. Sian was a tremendous competitor and she will be able to bring that passion to the court for the next wave of young women and men who want to succeed beyond a local level. Sian Deng is looking forward to the support that the Female apprentice program will provide towards Coaching education and certification.
Mentor Coach Al Mawani has been coaching at Douglas College for several years and his commitment to student-athletes is unquestionable. Al is certified NCCP Level III for badminton, and is constantly updating his knowledge through attendance at clinics. He is an instructor at UBC, the Technical Director for Badminton BC and operates the Badminton Academy with Douglas College at the Coquitlam Campus. He has had the opportunity to develop many coaches over the past few years. Coach Mawani enjoys working with coaches who want to learn and are genuinely interested in giving back to the sport and Sian Deng is without a doubt that type of person.
Vancouver Island University – Women’s Volleyball Program
Apprentice Coach Danielle Gaudet graduated from Malaspina University-College in 2003 and has shown a very keen interest in coaching since graduating. Danielle as assistant coach played a very important role with the team last year and has made significant progress towards her goal of becoming a head coach. She had much of the responsibility for training the setters on the team and took on many aspects of the administration. The Female Apprentice Coach Program will provide the opportunity for Danielle to further her coaching education in relation to certification and leadership workshops.
Mentor Coach Shane Hyde is the recipient of the CCAA 2007-08 Coaching Excellence Award Across all sports, which is testament to his coaching abilities. Shane has been the Head Coach at Vancouver Island University (formerly known as Malaspina University College) since the 2001-02 season and has led the team to three CCAA silver medals, one bronze medal and most recently the Gold medal at the 2008 Championships. Shane’s practices are always well planned and productive and he is able to get the most out of his players. The women’s volleyball team is also one of the most disciplined teams, on and off the court and participates in many community activities.
Briercrest College – Women’s Volleyball Program
Apprentice Coach Tabitha Garey graduated in 2007 and over the past year has been involved in assistant coaching both a senior high school team, and a U16 club team. Both of these experiences have opened up a passion deep within Tabitha to make coaching a part of her life on a more full time basis. In order to meet this goal, she has already started the coaching education and certification process. Working as an apprentice coach at Briercrest with Mentor Coach, Nolan Weinmaster, will give her the opportunity to learn and to start to develop a detailed personal coaching philosophy.
Mentor Coach Nolan Weinmaster is entering his third year as head coach of the Clippers Women’s Volleyball Program. Coach Weinmaster has shown great potential as a coach and earned considerable respect from those around him. His determination to improve as a coach and to bring out the very best in his players will stand him in good stead as he progresses in his coaching career. Coach Weinmaster is eager to take part in the CCAA Female Apprentice Coach Program as a mentor coach because he believes it is an excellent opportunity to help develop a female coach for the future. According to Nolan Weinmaster, “I feel that there is a strong need for qualified female coaches at all levels of play and I am excited about the opportunity to develop a female coach who has been a part of our program”.
Keyano College – Women’s Volleyball
Apprentice Coach Tracy Muyres played for the Keyano College Huskies Women’s Volleyball Team from 2001to 2003 then proceeded to play for the University of Regina Cougars Women’s Volleyball Team from 2003 to 2005. Now that Tracey’s playing career is over she has set her sights on coaching. Tracy admits that “I want to coach as a way of saying thank you to all the coaches I had in the past. I think the greatest way of doing that is to coach myself and pass on the lessons they have taught me.” The opportunity to work with the Keyano Women’s Volleyball Program as an Apprentice Coach under Mentor Coach Melissa Laluk will provide Tracy with the necessary teaching tools to become a coach.
Mentor Coach Melissa Laluk first started coaching while in High School, as head coach for a Junior High Team. Her coaching career continued during her playing career at Red Deer College and the University of Alberta coaching younger teams at camps and training sessions. According to Coach Laluk “it is an honor to be a part of the CCAA Female Apprentice Coach Program as a mentor coach because it will allow me to help a fellow alumni player take the next step towards a coaching career. I know that I have been grateful for the coaches in my past that may not have been aware of how much they impacted my passion for coaching. It was those coaches, their passion, energy and dedication that have allowed me to get to where I am now, as a coach, athlete and person.”
Mount Royal College – Women’s Volleyball Program
Apprentice Coach Tracey Keats has had an impressive athletic career playing at the CIS level. She was named Captain of the University of Calgary Dino’s in her fifth year. Her Athletic experiences combined with her teaching background will be a great asset to the team. Tracey’s aspirations for the future include continued involvement with the development of athletes at the club, high school, and provincial volleyball level, as well as becoming involved with the Canadian National Team as a coach. Ultimately, she would like to attain a position as head coach of a post-secondary women’s volleyball program while teaching at that institution. As an Apprentice Coach under the guidance of Sandra Lamb, head coach of Mount Royal Cougars Women’s Volleyball, Tracey is making strides towards her future aspirations.
Mentor Coach Sandra Lamb is going into her 9th year of coaching at the CCAA level, recently winning a silver medal in the 2008 CCAA National Championships. As well she has been in several other coaching roles including Mentor Coaching the 2007 U16 Women’s provincial Team and assistant coaching both the Calgary Dino’s Volleyball Club and the 2003 U16 Men’s Provincial Team. Coach Lamb has the natural ability to relate to young adults and as a result is well liked and respected by both her team and her coaching peers. Her experiences will enable her to effectively mentor, Apprentice Coach Tracey Keats.
Mount Royal College – Men’s Volleyball Program
Apprentice Coach Courtney Warren began her volleyball career at Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario in 2002. During her 4-year playing career at Mohawk College she grew to love and respect the sport. In terms of coaching experience she coached a jr. high boys team and recently was the assistant coach for the Impact Volleyball Club’s U17 girl’s team and plans to serve as this team’s head coach next year. Courtney believes that in order to be a great coach you must learn from a great coach, and in September 2008 the Female Apprentice Coach Program will provide the opportunity to do so as Apprentice Coach of the Cougar men’s volleyball team under the direction of Shawn Sky.
Mentor Coach Shawn Sky is in his sixth year coaching in the CCAA with the last four years being at Mount Royal College. Over his time at Mount Royal, the team has medalled twice: Bronze medallists in 2006 and National Champions this past year. Aside from coaching, Shawn is also a sport psychology instructor and a student-athlete advisor at Mount Royal. For the last three years, Coach Sky has served as a mentor coach with the Alberta Volleyball Association, delivering technical coaching clinics and mentoring coaches in the provincial team program and at Jasper Volleyball Camp. The Mount Royal Men’s volleyball program, in conjunction with the CCAA Female Apprentice Coach Program, will provide Courtney with the opportunity to grow as coach and expand her knowledge of the game.
Medicine Hat College – Women’s Basketball Program
Apprentice Coach Claire Tomczyk completed her playing career with the Medicine Hat College Rattlers in 2006. In her final year, Claire was named team captain and received the Rattlers Female Athlete of the Year award. In 2006, Claire was also named to the ACAC All-Conference team. Since completing her playing career, Claire has been working on the sidelines as an assistant coach for the women’s basketball team. Claire will be back to assist again this year and will be benefiting from the Female Apprentice Coach program funding for continued professional development for certifications, clinics and other coaching education.
Mentor Coach Jason McLester is entering his 6th season with the Rattlers, four as the Men’s Basketball Coach and two as the Women’s Basketball Coach. In his first season behind the bench as the Women’s Head Coach, Coach McLester was named ACAC South Division Coach of the Year. Under his leadership the Rattlers brought home an ACAC Silver medal and earned a wild card spot in the CCAA National Championship tournament. Although the team experienced great success on the court, they also had tremendous success in the classroom. Eight of fourteen players earned honor role status. The team’s overall GPA in the fall semester was 3.26 and improved to 3.38 during the winter semester. Coach McLester has always been a coach who believes in building excellent people. He has never placed winning above academics and continually works at ensuring his players have a balance in their lives between basketball, academics, social life and family. His values, ethics and conduct are outstanding making him an ideal mentor coach.
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)– Women’s Basketball Program
Apprentice Coach Lisa Francis attended three different CCAA institutions, and has played basketball for four different coaches. As a result, Lisa has had the opportunity to be exposed to a number of different coaches and coaching styles throughout her playing career. All of her playing experiences - both good and bad, both rewarding and frustrating - all play into Lisa’s desire to commit to a future in coaching and sharing her passion and love for the game with others. Lisa is very keen on taking the next step and entering the coaching ranks on a more formal, professional, full-time basis in her role as Apprentice Coach for the NAIT Women’s Basketball Program.
Mentor Coach Curtis Nelson has been the NAIT Ooks Women’s Basketball Coach for the past three years. Coach Nelson states, “I am supportive of the directive of the CCAA in helping develop more female coaches in the sport of basketball. To be able to participate in this initiative is a privilege that I will embrace, as I believe we need to have more qualified female coaches involved at the higher levels of sport. I find that working with and helping guide other coaches in their development also helps me develop as a coach.” Bringing Lisa Francis onto the NAIT coaching staff in a formal Apprentice Coach role will benefit all those involved Lisa, the coaching staff, the athletes and the athletics program.
Red Deer College – Women’s Basketball Program
Apprentice Coach Melissa Hicks is former member of the Queen’s Basketball team, who is currently finishing her Business Diploma at Red Deer College. She has always been interested in the coaching side of the sport. During her four years of high school she was involved in coaching Mini Basketball, teaching kids from kindergarten to grade 6 how to pay basketball and the basic fundamentals. She volunteers to coach in skills camps for Central Alberta High School Basketball players and assisted at the Regional Training Centers held in Red Deer. Melissa is always interested in different methods of teaching and is always asking technical questions. She will be a huge asset to the Red Deer coaching staff and Women’s program.
Mentor Coach Dawn Smyth is going into her second year as Head Coach of the Red Deer Queen’s Women’s basketball Program having coached the previous two years at Camosun College. Coach Smyth experience and coaching education is impressive having graduated from the National Coaching Institute in Victoria and is currently completing her Level 4 and 5 NCCP. As a female in the sport Coach Smyth stresses the importance of the CCAA Female Apprentice Coach Program and the good active learning environment it will provide for Melissa Hicks.
University of Alberta Augustana Faculty – Women’s Basketball Program
Apprentice Coach Heidi Marcinkoski is an Augustana Viking alumnus who wants to give back to the program as a coach. Heidi was an exceptional student-athlete and leader for Augustana during her collegiate career. Over the past few years Heidi has expanded her coaching experience with involvement in coaching at the high school and club level. Now at the CCAA level with the support of the Female Apprentice Coach program Heidi will be able to contribute to the Women’s Basketball Program with a formalized opposition on the Viking bench.
Mentor Coach Leanne Shenton is a Head Coach today directly because of the mentorship she received during the beginning of her coaching career. During her second year of coaching at the University of Windsor she was accepted for the Coaching Internship Program from the Coaching Association of Canada. The fact that she has gone through a coaching apprenticeship program herself will serve her very well in understanding exactly what kind of information is crucial to share with her apprentice.
Fanshawe College – Women’s Soccer Program
Apprentice Coach Emily Costello during her three years at Fanshawe College, captained the Falcon’s women’s Soccer team including her rookie year in 2006. She has been named OCAA All-star in all 3years, has been a CCAA Academic All-Canadian and CCAA All Canadian for 2 years. Emily’s coaching experience includes: working at Fanshawe College soccer clinics, Head Coach for John Paul Secondary School Girls Soccer Team and teaching soccer to children ages 7-12 who suffered from a disability. She taught them the fun and fundamentals of soccer and in turn they showed her how to meet challenges head on. Emily sees the Apprentice Program as an opportunity to develop skills and training to better meet the challenges of coaching as a profession.
Mentor Coach Martin Painter has been coaching soccer for the past 12 years and currently has a National B License issued from the Canadian Soccer Association. As a Coach, he has won 5 National Championships and 9 Provincial championships and has worked with several players that have moved on to provincial and national team programs. Coach Painter believes Emily is an outstanding role model for younger players and will be a valuable part of the Coaching staff. Given this opportunity Coach Painter believes that Emily will develop into a top notch Coach.
Mohawk College – Women’s Basketball Program
Apprentice Coach Shannon Morton a former member of the Mohawk Women’s Basketball program, who’s desire is now to become a coach and have a positive effect on female players. Shannon has an active involvement in sport and leadership in the Hamilton community. She has assisted in coaching the junior and senior girls basketball teams at Hill Park Secondary School, the Hamilton wildcats midget girls AAA team and the U15 girls at the CANUSA Games. Shannon has worked for the Catholic Youth Organization for the last 2 years, where she was a basketball camp councilor for Inner City Children. Shannon’s dream is to one day become a head coach for a College or University and the Female Apprentice Coach Program will afford Shannon an opportunity to develop her skills and further her coaching education.
Mentor Coach Kelly Durham started out playing at Mohawk College, then stayed on with the team for the next two years as an assistant coach under her mentor, Hall of Famer, Coach Earl Begg. Coach Durham is now heading into her 6th year as Mohawk’s Women’s Basketball Head Coach and is certified Level III. Having graduated from a player to a Coach at Mohawk, Coach Durham is a proponent of mentorship and is cognizant and well versed in the needs and skills required to make this opportunity a positive learning experience for Shannon.
St. Lawrence College, Kingston – Cross Country Running Program
Apprentice Coach Ingrid Golemiecstover is a St Lawrence College Fitness & Health Promotion graduate. Her outstanding athletic accomplishments include: 2007-2008 Female Athlete of the Year, CCAA Academic All Canadian, OCAA All Academic Award, OCAA Gold Medallist and OCAA Athlete of the Year. Ingrid’s coaching experience includes being a volunteer assistant coach for a cross country running team at a secondary school for 6 years. Ingrid sees the Apprentice Program as a key tool to further her knowledge in coaching and broadening her experience and coaching technique.
Mentor Coach Randy Zabukovec has been the Head Coach of the Vikings Cross Country Running team since 1999. Coach Zabukovec has coached many top runners, who have attributed their success to his coaching expertise and mentoring over the years. He has an athlete-focused approach to coaching. He considers the athletes complete development: academically, socially, physically, and mentally. Coach Zabukovec has no doubt that the commitment Ingrid demonstrated as an athlete, will continue as she pursues a coaching career and he looks forward to being involved in the program and facilitating Ingrid’s development as a coach.
Champlain College, St. Lambert – Women’s Basketball Program
Apprentice Coach Jennifer Liberta comes to Champlain College after a playing career at Dawson College and McGill University. She graduated from McGill University’s Bachelor of Education in Physical Education & Health and in September 2007, began her career as a full time teacher. Her Physical Education background and her experience coaching with St. Bruno basketball program will make Jennifer an ideal fit to the Champlain Coaching staff. Jennifer is comfortable taking on the necessary responsibilities of becoming a more developed coach and is excited about the future of the Cavaliers’ women’s basketball team’s potential to become not only a competitive AAA team, but also provincial and national champions.
Mentor Coach George Germanos has been actively coaching basketball at the elite level for over 15 years in both Canada and Lebanon including 6 years at Champlain College as the AA coach and now in the FQSE AAA league. The promotion of the AA program to that of an AAA Women’s Basketball Program at Champlain College in 2007 was a positive step for female student–athletes at the college and the South Shore of Montreal. Coach Germanos is presently a NCCP Certified Level II coach and has just completed the Level III theory and III technical and will be evaluated on the Level III practical in the fall of 2008. He appreciates the opportunity to mentor and support Jennifer as she serves as a positive role model to female student-athletes at Champlain College.
College Montmorency - Women’s Basketball Program
Apprentice Coach Anouk Boulanger worked as a camp councilor for four years in both Basketball and Football. From 2002-2004 Anounk began her coaching career in Mini-Basketball and as Coordinator for the “Small Ball” programme at Bishop’s University. She continued her coaching development at Collège du Sacré-Coeur as assistant coach for the Cadette AAA teams. Michel Blanchette, director of sports at Montmorency College indicates that he is very pleased that Anouk will once again be part of their team, bringing with her university experience, team spirit and competitiveness.
Mentor Coach Martin Gagon has been the basketball Head Coach at Montmorency for nine years making that a total 20 years of experience in total. Coach Martin has obtain level III in the 3M National Certification Coaching program. In 2005, coach Gagnon was named as a finalist in the “Entraîneur de development par excellence” at the URL Laurentides Gala. In 1991 and 1998, was also a finialist in the “Entraîneur par excellence en sport collectif”.
College Edouard Montpetit - Women’s Basketball Program
Apprentice coach Maude Gilbert was part of the Lynx Basketball team for three consecutive seasons. During that time, the team won their provincial championships, a provincial silver medal and two silver medals at CCAA National Championships. Maude brings with her much experience as a player and also as a leader. Named captain in her final year on the Lynx team, Maude played a key role assisting the coaching staff both on and off the court. From the age of 15, Maude has been developing her coach abilities. Whether it was as an assistant coach for her own high school teams or coaching at Durocher College in Saint-Lambert, Maude is passionate about attaining her goal of coaching excellence. Mr. Danny Vincent, Mentor coach for Maude and head coach of the Lynx AAA Basketball team states that the athletic program at Edouard-Monpetit College will greatly benefit from having such an enthusiastic and exceptional leader.
Mentor Coach Danny Vincent has been part of the coaching staff for the women’s AAA basketball team at Édouard-Montpetit College for four years. He has been part of Basketball development for a number of years and takes athlete development very seriously. In 2006-2007, the LYNX basketball team finished 3rd and maintained 1st place in the CCAA standings for more than ten consecutive weeks. Coach Vincent has extensive knowledge of the game and is enthusiastic about developing his coaching staff to become successful head coaches. Mr. Pascale Maheu, Athletic Director at Édouard-Montpetit College and the CCAA recognize Coach Vincent’s abilities to help develop Maude Gilber and other female coaches through the Female Apprentice Coach Program.
St Thomas University - Women’s Volleyball Program
Apprentice Coach Amy Welch played volleyball at St. Thomas for four years and has been the assistant coach with the team since 2003. In addition she has been the Head Coach for the Oromocto High Senior Girls program for the past 7 seasons. Currently, Amy is in the early stages of forging a career as a teacher, and a large part of what she would like to accomplish involves being an active coach for young women. Amy has been a vital member of the coaching staff, and an active partner in the numerous aspects of coaching the team. Access to the apprentice program will allow Amy to expand her coaching education levels as she works towards developing as a future post-secondary head coach.
Mentor Coach Edwin Welch has been a CCAA coach for 9 years, attending National Championships on 7 occasions and being named CCAA Coach of the Year on one of those occasions. Recently Coach Welsh celebrated a milestone of 137 consecutive ACAA victories over a span of six years, including six ACAA titles. Clearly he has established himself as an effective committed coach. He has an outstanding legacy of coaching behind him, and a wealth of knowledge to pass along. Coach Welch welcomes the opportunity to work with his daughter Amy as she builds a resume in education and coaching. This program provides incentive, structure, and resources that are not readily available for young females.
St Thomas University - Women’s Basketball Program
Apprentice Coach Bridgette Greer as a former athlete and student brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the women’s basketball program at St. Thomas. Since graduating from St. Thomas University, she has been involved with STU Tommie’s basketball alumni, which seeks to connect alumni with the current varsity program. She helps coach basketball at the provincial Bantam girls’ level and has been in the role of assistant coach within the STU women’s basketball program for the last year. As Assistant coach, Bridgette is looking to expand her responsibilities and knowledge base. Access to the apprentice program will allow Bridgette to do just that.
Mentor Coach Fred Connors is heading into his 5th season as Head Coach of the St. Thomas University Woman’s Basketball Program. He has numerous coaching experiences and is a fully certified NCCP Level 3 Coach. Coach Connors sees the value of having a strong female role model on his coaching staff. It has allowed his players to have a strong leader who they can speak to on common ground, as an athlete and as a female. On a personal note, Coach Connors is the proud father of three daughters who are very active and involved in various physical activities. He is determined to see a world of equal opportunity for his children, and this program offers an opportunity to have a positive influence on an individual that may someday act as a role model for his daughters.
Holland College - Women’s Soccer Program
Appentice Coach Amy Connolly has been playing soccer at the competitive level since grade seven, extending through high school and five years at the University level. More recently, she had the privileged to be the head coach for the very same high school she attended and won three championships with as a player, and has now won a championship, as a coach. She is ready to take her coaching career to a higher level as the apprentice coach with the Holland College Hurricanes soccer program.
Mentor Coach Meredith Cameron over the past three years has been head coach of the Women’s Soccer team at Holland College. Coach Cameron notes that over the last two years she has been fortunate enough to draw players from the local high school in which Amy is the head coach. Amy’s former players routinely come to the Holland College camp with a strong desire to train and a great respect for the game. Amy’s coaching style makes it an easy transition for her players from high school to college. Having Amy on side at Holland College will compliment the soccer program and in turn provide an opportunity for her to hone her coaching skills.
Mount Saint Vincent University - Women’s Basketball Program
Apprentice Coach Elaine Horne was former member of the Mystics University’s basketball team. With the end of her career as a competitive athlete, coaching was a natural step. Elaine was a CCAA Apprentice in 2007-08, which provided her the opportunity to begin to develop her coaching skills. Although she is a natural leader, who has the gift for inspiring others and getting the most out of them she will admit she has much to learn in the area of coaching competency. The Female Apprentice coach program will assist in her coaching training and education so she can feel comfortable to reach her ultimate goal, to be a head coach of a post-secondary program.
Mentor Coach Dyrick McDermott has been with Mount Saint Vincent University for the past seven years and has coached in the college system for 12 years. He has been named ACAA Coach of the year six times and received CCAA Coach of the year in March 2007. Last year Mount Saint Vincent received for the first time a grant from the CCAA Female Apprentice Coach Program for Elaine Horne and Coach McDermott was her mentor. Their coaching combination worked as the Mount Mystics team won a silver medal at the 2008 CCAA Basketball National Championships.
- To support identified female graduated student-athlete coaches in their pursuit of professional development opportunities; and
- To provide qualified CCAA coaches in National Championship sports with advanced training opportunities and mentoring experience.
- Funded by Sport Canada, a branch of the Department of Canadian Heritage, the CCAA Female Apprentice Coach Program is a national project conducted in partnership with the Atlantic Colleges Athletic Association (ACAA), the Quebec Student Sport Federation (QSSF), the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA), the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) and the British Columbia Colleges Athletic Association (BCCAA).
The Canadian Colleges Athletic Association is a national sports organization that enriches the lives of student-athletes through intercollegiate competition.
For more information, please contact:
Sandra Murray MacDonell
CCAA Executive Director
Tel: 613.937.1508 / Email:
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