September 19, 2011 - The CCAA (Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association) is pleased to announce the successful candidates participating in the 2011-2012 CCAA Female Apprentice Coach Program.

Now in its seventh year, the CCAA Female Apprentice Coach Program will offer coaching opportunities to 19 apprentices training under mentor coaches in soccer, cross-country running, badminton, basketball and volleyball.

The CCAA Female Apprentice Coach Program targets female graduating student-athletes to participate in collegiate sport as apprentice coaches. The program provides grants for professional development opportunities and operational costs associated with the apprentice coach. Apprentice coaches typically aid in player scouting, team communications, training exercises, skill development and administrative duties throughout the season.

The CCAA Female Apprentice Coach program is funded by Sport Canada.

“Thanks to Sport Canada, we are able to provide apprentices coaches with education, practical experience and qualified mentor coaches,” states program chair Yvonne Becker. “It serves to increase their competencies and enrich Canada’s coaching ranks for the future.”

 The CCAA’s goal is to have one female coach on the staff of each women’s sports program.

We are pleased to announce the candidates for the 2011-12 CCAA Female Apprentice Coach Program:

Collège Francois-Xavier-Garneau Élans, RSEQ - Soccer

Apprentice: Marjorie Ferland
Marjorie Ferland has always been active in sport; she competes in varsity soccer and basketball, and is currently working towards a bachelor of physical education. The CCAA Female Apprentice Program will provide her with the opportunity to work with Quebec's reigning women's champions, who will host the CCAA Women's Soccer National Championship in November.
 
Mentor: David Desloges
David Desloges holds a record that any head coach would envy; he's worked with the College Francois-Xavier-Garneau women's soccer team since 2005, and since then the team has garnered five straight regional  titles, as well as last year's 2010 CCAA Women's Soccer National Championship. He was also named CCAA Women's Soccer Coach of the Year in 2008.

Mount Royal University Cougars, ACAC - Soccer

Apprentice: Ashley Dixon
Ashley Dixon completed five years of CCAA eligibility with the Mount Royal University Cougars participating in soccer and badminton. Her soccer honours included being named a three-time CCAA All-Canadian and the 2008 CCAA Female Soccer Player of the Year.
"Following my athletic career on the field, I believe I am ready to see the other end of the spectrum and try to help ladies grow as a team by guiding them from the sidelines," says Dixon.

Mentor: Tino Fusco
Now entering his third year as head coach of the Mount Royal University women's soccer program, Tino Fusco is eager to participate in the CCAA Female Apprentice Coach program. "With the recent growth of soccer, and the exciting news of Canada hosting the 2015 Women’s World Cup, I feel the future of women's soccer is in Canada. I am dedicated to helping improve the development of female coaching in my community."

Cégep de Ste-Foy Dynamiques, RSEQ - Soccer

Apprentice: Tanya Driussi
Tanya Driussi competed with the Cégep de Ste-Foy Dynamiques for three seasons, during which time she supported her teammates and exercised leadership skills. She sees her new role as the Dynamiques' apprentice coach as "identifying talent, developing it, and bringing success. I will do my best to advise them and push them to do their best."

Mentor: Olivier Pouliot
Olivier Pouliot has been with the Ste-Foy Dynamics women's soccer team since 2009. He has 19 years experience coaching in Quebec, most recently at the AAA level. His teams have been regional college champions four times in the last ten years, and he's received coach of the year awards from three institutions, as well as two nominations from the ARSEQ. 

NAIT Ooks, ACAC - Cross Country Running

Apprentice: Teagan Gahler
Teagan Gahler was on the NAIT Ooks cross-country running team for two seasons, twice winning the Golden Shoe award for exhibiting determination, dedication and leadership in the sport of running. She wishes to return to the program as an apprentice with hopes of "continuing to coach for many years and making it a key part of my life."

Mentor: Wayne Dalman
Wayne has been NAIT's cross country running coach since 2005. This year he will be joined by former student-athlete Teagan Gahler.   "In her two seasons competing for NAIT, she earned the respect of her team and the entire athletics and recreation department with her leadership and positive attitude." The team hopes to qualify for the CCAA Cross-Country Running National Championship.

Douglas College Royals, PACWEST - Badminton

Apprentice: Stephanie Ko
Stephanie Ko has been training competitively in badminton for almost 14 years, including four years with the Douglas College Royals, during which she won gold in the women's doubles event at all four CCAA national championships. "I would like the chance to pass on what I have learned, and inspire future student-athletes."

Mentor: Al Mawani
Coach Al Mawani won his first CCAA national championship title in 1990. Since then he has won 32 additional CCAA national titles and 33 provincial titles. His devotion and drive for personal development has created a program that will be difficult to match on or off the courts. 

NAIT Ooks, ACAC - Badminton

Apprentice: Yang Sun
Yang Sun won a provincial championship and a CCAA medal in each of her four seasons with the NAIT badminton team, including a national gold in the women's singles event. Her commitment to the athletics program is a major factor head coach Jordan Richey recommended Sun to take part in the CCAA Female Apprentice Program.

Mentor: Jordan Richey
Jordan Richey of NAIT athletics has built up a strong resume; the badminton coach has guided student-athletes to three CCAA gold medals, seven silver and two bronze. The 2007 CCAA Badminton Coach of the Year sees former student-athlete Yang Sun as an integral part of that success, and highly recommended she take part in the Program.

Holland College Hurricanes, ACAA - Volleyball

Apprentice: Abigail Webb
Abigail Webb joined the Holland Hurricanes in their inaugural 2009-2010 season, and completed two seasons with the squad before graduating. "Playing experience at a higher level is an asset," says Webb. "As a former player and captain of the team I have been in the same position as the players under my care."

Mentor: Amanda Hickey-Leblanc
Amanda Hickey-Leblanc is head coach of the Holland College Hurricanes, and looks forward to reteaming with former student-athlete Abigail Webb. "Abby was my go-to person for anything I needed done. I know that she will be a fantastic addition to the women's volleyball program as she, like me, will not accept anything other than the very best from her athletes."

Lakeland College Lady Rustlers, ACAC - Volleyball

Apprentice: Brianne Collette
Brianne Collette played four years of volleyball at Lakeland College, including two years spent playing for Mentor coach Austin Dyer. During that time, Dyer saw the team captain "grow as a player and a person. I would like to take this to the next step and help her transform into a coach. She would be a great asset to our team and I believe she has the potential to become a great coach."

Mentor: Austin Dyer
In the two years Austin Dyer has spent as head coach of the Lakeland College Lady Rustlers' volleyball team, the squad twice qualified for provincials and attained the highest volleyball ranking in Lakeland College history. Dyer will soon begin his third season with new apprentice coach Brianne Collette and his sights set on competing at the CCAA national championship in March.

Collège Lionel-Groulx Nordiques, RSEQ - Volleyball

Apprentice: Sophie Pauzé-Bélanger
Sophie Pauzé-Bélanger is a former member of the Collège Lionel-Groulx Nordiques. She applied to the CCAA Female Apprentice Coaching Program in the hopes of one day attaining a top-level coaching job in the field of volleyball. She has competed in the Quebec Games, as well as serving as a volunteer and youth coach.

Mentor: Danyk Sauro
Danyk Sauro has 17 years' experience coaching both indoor and outdoor volleyball, with eight years spent training the women Nordiques. Sauro sees mentoring as the next logical step in his professional growth as a coach.

Grande Prairie Regional College Wolves, ACAC - Volleyball

Apprentice: Erinn Brady
Erinn Brady has been actively involved in volleyball for over ten years, twice serving as captain of the GPRC women's team. "When I wasn't playing volleyball, I was coaching volleyball," says Brady. "My career goal is to become a college instructor and coach women's volleyball at the college level. I believe it is critical to learn from excellent coaches such as Ron Thomson."

Mentor: Ron Thomson
It's no wonder Ron Thomson has been twice awarded CCAA's prestigious Coaching Excellence award; GPRC's current head coach of women's volleyball has competed at four CCAA nationals, earned a masters of education in coaching studies, and has over 20 years experience on the bench.

Lethbridge College Kodiaks, ACAC - Volleyball

Apprentice: Gina Goruk
Lethbridge College alumnus Gina Goruk spent two seasons on the women's volleyball team before continuing her studies in hopes of becoming both a teacher and coach to young adolescents. Goruk applied to the CCAA Female Apprentice Coach program "because I believe it will provide me with a valuable experience for my future endeavours."

Mentor: Derek Usman
Derek Usman has been head coach of the Lethbridge College women's volleyball team since 2006. A former assistant coach for Team Alberta, Usman gained immense knowledge from expert coaches and colleagues. "It is because of these individuals that I wish to be involved as a mentor coach with the CCAA Female Apprentice Program," says Usman.

Mount Saint Vincent University Mystics, ACAA - Volleyball

Apprentice: Jamie Brown
Jamie Brown played volleyball for four years at MSVU, and was named a CCAA Volleyball Player of the Month and 2011 CCAA Women's Volleyball All-Canadian during her senior year. After six years spent coaching at the club level, Brown believes the CCAA Female Apprentice Coach Program "will give me mentorship, knowledge and experience to build a good framework and become a great coach."

Mentor: Derrick Brooks
Derrick Brooks began coaching the MSVU women's volleyball championships in 2009, which garnered the team a 2010 ACAA championship title. His responsibilities as head coach include utilizing individual strengths and creating an attitude of success.

Red Deer Queens, ACAC - Volleyball

Apprentice: Mandy Carroll
A five-year veteran of the Red Deer Queens volleyball program, Mandy not only competed on the court but also coached the institution's club program. Her performance earned her a BMO student athlete leadership award, and she's not done yet. "Being a part of the Queens' volleyball program is something that changed my life for the better," says Carroll. "I want to give back to the program as much as I have gained from it.

Mentor: Talbot Walton
Talbot Walton's six years with the Red Deer College Queens have resulted in appearances at six regional championships, two CCAA national championships, and a 2006 CCAA Coach of the Year award.
"Mentorship programs are rewarding for both the apprentice and the mentor," says Walton. "The CCAA Female Apprentice Program will provide me with the opportunity to work with a dedicated, intelligent, and motivated individual."

Seneca College Sting, OCAA - Volleyball

Apprentice: Jessica Chiu
Jessica Chiu is a former Seneca women's volleyball player and team captain. Always eager to dissect every aspect of the game and motivate her team to strive for more, Chiu is anxious to take on the role of apprentice coach. "I would like to take the knowledge and skills I learned and pass it on to incoming athletes."

Mentor: Shane Timms
Shane Timms is head coach of the Seneca Sting men's and women's volleyball team. Timms has been with the men's team for three seasons, which included a silver finish at provincials and an appearance at a CCAA national championship. He currently holds a career record of 47-11. Shane is eager to work with Jessica in the upcoming season, as she has already "demonstrated many of the qualities required to be a successful coach."

The King’s University College Eagles, ACAC - Volleyball

Apprentice: Oriana Pysyk
Inspired by a former club coach, Oriana Pysyk achieved her goal to play volleyball at the post-secondary level when she joined The King's University College women's team. She repaid the favour by coaching at summer camps, and plans to continue coaching for the rest of her life.  "I am excited to have a mentor who is a well-established female head coach in the province of Alberta," says Pysyk. "She shares my passion for sport and competition."

Mentor: Grace Scott
Head coach Grace Scott already had over 20 years of coaching experience prior to joining The King's University College Eagles women's team in 2008.   Scott sees herself as not only a volleyball coach, but as a life coach; she desires to "pass on to others the lessons I've learned and enable them to be successful both as coaches and people. I believe mentoring is an excellent means to develop future leaders and to help people grow in character and learn new skills."

 Lethbridge College Kodiaks, ACAC - Basketball

Apprentice: Ashley Meeks-King
Ashley Meeks was still in secondary school when she garnered a provincial banner for women's basketball; she went on to compete with two schools in the ACAC before sustaining an injury. While participating in the CCAA Female Apprentice Program, Meeks-Kings hopes "young athletes will view me as an individual they can approach with questions and that I may in turn help them find the answers they are looking for."

Mentor: Avery Harrison
Avery Harrison has spent 17 years as head coach for basketball teams competing in the ACAC; most recently for the Lethbridge College women's team. He's led teams to and eight CCAA national championship appearances and two CCAA golds, with rosters that included two CCAA Players of the Year. "I have had the great fortune to have some outstanding athletes and assistants, and several have gone on to coaching careers of their own," says Harrison. "To me, this may be a greater accomplishment than championships."

Mount Royal University Cougars, ACAC - Basketball

Apprentice: Elyse Hnatiuk
Through participation with the CCAA Female Apprentice Coach Program, Elyse Hnatiuk hopes to fulfill her goal of being a post-secondary women's basketball coach. She played basketball for several institutions while completing her bachelor of science degree, including one year at Mount Royal University, and recently spent the summer serving as assistant coach for the U15 girls Basketball Alberta team. "It is now my ultimate goal to be a successful women's basketball coach at the elite level," says Hnatiuk.

Mentor: Joe Enevoldson
Joe Enevoldson has been head coach of the Mount Royal University women's basketball team since the 2007 season, producing two ACAC bronze medals and three CCAA-SIRC Academic All-Canadians. Armed with experience and a natural ability to relate to young adults, he is more than qualified to help his apprentice make the transition from athlete to coach.

SAIT Polytechnic Trojans, ACAC - Basketball

Apprentice: Mecoh Bain
Mecoh Bain comes to the CCAA Female Apprentice Program as a former SAIT basketball team captain with six years of coaching experience under her belt; she regularly assisted at summer basketball camps and clinics. She applied to take part in the CCAA Female Apprentice Program because it allows alumni to "pass on experience and knowledge to those two follow us."

Mentor: Donovan Martin
Head coach Donovan Martin has 21 years' experience coaching in the ACAC conference. Highlights include seven regional championships, a CCAA national championship, and three Coach of the Year awards. Martin coached Mecoh Bain for five seasons, and is excited to be involved in the development of a promising young talent.

University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves, PACWEST - Basketball

Apprentice: Christine Kennedy
In the one season she played on the UNBC basketball team, Christine Kennedy was named BCCAA Player of the Year, a CCAA All-Canadian and a CCAA-SIRC Academic All-Canadian. Currently working towards a Masters in psychology, she believes the knowledge gained from the CCAA Female Apprentice Program "would be invaluable to any of my future career endeavors."

Mentor: Loralyn Murdoch
Loralyn Murdoch has been with the UNBC Timberwolves women's basketball team since their inaugural season in 1997, and since then has produced 3 CCAA All-Canadians.  "Being a mentor coach is a responsibility I'm eager to take on," says Murdoch. "The program is fantastic and I would very much like to be a part of it."

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Stephanie Wereley
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