Nine apprentices return to CCAA in 2021-22
This season, nine former student-athletes have returned to the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) for a second season of mentorship in the Association’s Female Apprentice Coach Program (FACP).
This marks the first time in CCAA history that select apprentices are offered the opportunity to participate in a second year of mentorship.
“The goal is to build on the development of apprentice coaches that began in 2020-21,” said Sandra Murray-MacDonell, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the CCAA. “The continued support for training and education will only add to the female apprentice’s confidence and knowledge as they continue their coaching journey in the CCAA.”
The FACP, which is funded in part by Sport Canada, is designed to identify and support female graduating student-athletes who demonstrate the desire and skills for coaching by providing them opportunities to share in the coaching experience in the CCAA.
The Pacific Western Athletic Association (PACWEST) leads the way with five returning apprentices.
At Langara College, Amelia Crawford is being mentored once again by Mark Eckerle in Women’s Soccer. In Women’s Volleyball, Rebecca Garner will be mentored by Ryan Adams at Columbia Bible College, while Cambria Janes will be mentored by Jeff Ross at Douglas College. In Women’s Basketball, Maddy Postnikoff will be mentored by Andrew Gini at Okanagan College, while Emma Platner will be mentored by Tony Bryce at Vancouver Island University.
“Learning from the other coaches on our staff has been very enjoyable and extremely helpful in developing my own coaching methods,” said Crawford. “I continue to value coach-to-coach relationships, as well as player-coach relationships as both have allowed me to enrich my coaching knowledge.”
Meanwhile, there are two returning Women’s Volleyball apprentices in the Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (RSEQ).
Meredith Beard will be mentored by Grégory Antoine-Pilorge at Cégep Outaouais, while Catherine Bouchard will be mentored by Rock Picard at Cégep Limoilou.
In Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Women’s Soccer, Katelyn Hehn is being mentored by Rick Haxby at The King’s University.
Finally, in Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (ACAA) Women’s Volleyball, Julie Ann Milling will be mentored by Jimmy El-Turk at St. Clair College.
“Being part of the FACP, I have gained knowledge on how female coaches and leaders have impacted our world today,” said Milling. “I believe that is important to continue to educate and empower women in leadership roles for our future.”
Media Contact:
Rodney Wilson / rodney@ccaa.ca
Manager, Communications & Events
