FACP: CCAA Badminton apprentice

The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) is proud to announce its 2021-22 participant in the annual Female Apprentice Coach Program (FACP) for the sport of Badminton.

At Centennial College in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA), Chloe Rowe will be mentored by Jolyon Thompson this season with the Colts.

Rowe earned four consecutive CCAA titles in Women’s Doubles – with four different partners – from 2017-20. In 2018, she was also named a CCAA All-Canadian.

Throughout her last two years of college, Rowe also spent countless hours coaching at a badminton club.

“From moving a long way from home and having to time manage more than I ever had in my life, I am proud of who I came out as on the other end,” she said.

Rowe was also recently identified to develop her coaching skills by Badminton Ontario, accepting a position on its Coaching Committee.

She is very keen on initiating her path to becoming a coach in the CCAA, according to Darcy Brioux, Manager, Athletics and Recreation at Centennial College

“The Female Apprentice Coach Program is perfect for a young aspiring former four-time CCAA champion athlete who wants to become a coach in the CCAA,” he said.

As for Coach Thompson, he is already more than familiar with Rowe. He coached her for two years with his club team, also as a junior competitor and again at three Ontario Winter Games.

“I can vouch firsthand for her competitive spirit, her support of teammates and very good interpersonal skills,” said Thompson, who has coached at Centennial since 2016. In addition to coaching badminton, he also officiates at the national and world levels.

With the Colts, Rowe will serve as a role model and an inspiration for the varsity badminton team, especially with the female student-athletes.

“I think it is so important for more female representation in our sport,” said Rowe. “I have been competing since I was eight years old and the number of female coaches I have come across can be counted on both hands.”

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 mentorship and practical coaching experience in the CCAA.