Total number of years the coach has been actively coaching:
33
Indicate the level(s) of certification the coach has attained through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). Be sure to include all levels of certification for their sport(s) – theory/multi-sport modules, sport/specific/technical practical.
Football
Community Coach
Intro to Comp – Certified
Competition Development Management and Tactical – Trained and practice Evaluation
Respect in Sport
Football Safe Contact – LF
Level 1/2 Theory – Multi Sport
Making Headway in Sport
MED online evaluation
Also training in athletics, wrestling, cross country and basketball
List any other recent (in the last five years) clinics, seminars, coaching education programs the coach has attended or contributions to coaching education the coach has made.
Football Saskatchewan Coaches Clinic
Competition Development – Football Management and Tactical
Numerous Women’s Development Camps
Football Sask ID Camps
Northern Football Jamboree – Positional Leader
What other awards or recognition has the coach received for contributions to sport?
2011 SHSAA Outstanding Coach
Roughrider Recognition Award – awarded for contribution to football over a career
2008 Sask Wrestling Cadet Female Coach of the Year
What have been the significant accomplishments (placings, rankings, records) of the teams or athletes during the coach’s career?
U18 Football Canada Cup – 4th
WWCFL Champions (Saskatoon Valkyries) – 2014, 2016, 2019, 2022, 2023
SHSAA Provincial Champions (Marion Graham Collegiate) – 1990
Women’s Sr. Team Saskatchewan (Tackle) – National Champions – Gold Medalist 2016
Women’s Team Canada (Tackle) – World Championship 2022 – 4th
How have the coach’s teams or athletes demonstrated improvement? Please provide specific examples.
Pat has coached high school football for over 33 years in various roles including positional coach, coordinator and head coach. Over his 33 years he has development many athletes that have gone on to play post secondary and had success at the high school level, including an upset win in 2007 when he coached Mount Royal to a win over Holy Cross. He has also coached in various programs that develop athletes at the minor level, coaching in the Kinsmen Football League and Saskatoon Minor Football’s academy for many years.
He has helped grow our sport in many under represented groups. He was a coach on our first ever all First Nations team that attended the 6 Nations Challenge and is a regular coach at the Northern League Jamboree acting as a positional and safe contact leader.
His focus the past few years has been tied to his role as the head coach of the Saskatoon Valkyries. Starting as a positional assistant he eventually took over the Head Coaching position in a period of transition. The young Valkyries had lost back to back WWCFL Championships after years of dominance. Pat has brough them back to prominence, guiding the young athletes at the time into strong veterans winning the last three titles. A large number of his athletes representing the team and their province on the past Women’s National Team in 2022.
Pat also guided his team through an incredibly difficult season, after the loss of an assistant coach mid season. The season he would say he is most proud of. His personable approach makes his athletes feel comfortable, confident and valued.
Nominee Supporting Documents
Please include up to three reference letters from athletes, fellow coaches or others who can share specific examples of how the coach helped the all-around development of an athlete, as well as honoured the Coaching Code of Ethics including Responsible Coaching.
Total number of years the coach has been actively coaching:
37
Indicate the level(s) of certification the coach has attained through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). Be sure to include all levels of certification for their sport(s) – theory/multi-sport modules, sport/specific/technical practical.
Artistic Swimming – Certified AquaGO! Instructor
Swimming Coach – Age Group Coach Certified
Swimming Coach – Senior Coach (in training)
Coaching Masters Swimmers eLearning Module
List any other recent (in the last five years) clinics, seminars, coaching education programs the coach has attended or contributions to coaching education the coach has made.
Non-NCCP (sport specific)
• High performance Coach professional development workshop 2018
• Returned to University full time to gain a 4 year degree in elementary education, graduated with Great Distinction 2022
Non-NCCP (multi sport)
• Respect in Sport 2020 & 2023
What other awards or recognition has the coach received for contributions to sport?
Jason has been recognized for his expertise in swim coaching by being named as part of the coaching team for Swim Sask Provincial camps & high performance camps in 2017. He also is part of the High Performance Committee for Sask Artistic Swimming.
He was recipient of the Recreation Coach of the Year from Regina Artistic Swimming in 2022.
He was recognized for a coaching award by the Regina Piranhas for his many years of service to the swim community.
Jason’s experience and knowledge in swimming has been valuable in a number of aquatic sports. He continues to provide his expertise as a coach for Regina Artistic Swimming and as a swim specialist for Regina Armada Water Polo.
What have been the significant accomplishments (placings, rankings, records) of the teams or athletes during the coach’s career?
Regina Piranhas – Sask Summer Provincial Champions 2022
Regina Piranhas – Sask Summer Provincial Champions 2023
Regina Piranhas swimmers have set many Provincial Summer swim records, both individual and relay
Water Polo Sask were the recipients of the top club award nationally 2022 & 2023
As assistant coach with Regina Dolphins: ManSask winners numerous times
As assistant coach with UofR: U Sports finalists & Can West finalists
As head coach of Regina Masters: Canadian & Provincial record holders
How have the coach’s teams or athletes demonstrated improvement? Please provide specific examples.
Coach Jason has a distinct ability to take inexperienced swimmers and diligently work with them to improve their strokes, make them faster & most importantly, keep swimming fun. We have watched swimmers continue to improve and become stronger swimmers over even a short summer swim season.
Coach Jason is proud of the number of swimmers that he has coached as youngsters that then go on to become coaches themselves. Current coaches on the Regina Masters, Dolphins, Marlins & Flatland have all been swimmers that were once coached by Jason
Coach Jason has also worked to improve our coaching team. He recruits coaches, encourages and supports them on their coaching journey and fosters a team environment where all the coaches have a role to play. He is true team player and we have observed continued growth in all coaches that he mentors.
Nominee Supporting Documents
Please include up to three reference letters from athletes, fellow coaches or others who can share specific examples of how the coach helped the all-around development of an athlete, as well as honoured the Coaching Code of Ethics including Responsible Coaching.
Total number of years the coach has been actively coaching:
10
Indicate the level(s) of certification the coach has attained through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). Be sure to include all levels of certification for their sport(s) – theory/multi-sport modules, sport/specific/technical practical.
Trained Level 2 Hockey Coach
Trained Level 2 Floor Hockey Coach
List any other recent (in the last five years) clinics, seminars, coaching education programs the coach has attended or contributions to coaching education the coach has made.
Safe Sport Training
Understanding the Rule of Two Training
Coaching Athletes with a Disability
SOS Coaches Symposium
Diversity and Conclusion
Sheldon is also the Chair of Organizing committee for Special Olympics Floor Hockey Tournaments in Saskatchewan. Duties here include scheduling the weekend, booking the facility, inviting and confirming attendance, securing officials, organizing meals and anything else involved with the tournament.
What other awards or recognition has the coach received for contributions to sport?
Sheldon received the 2022-2023 SOS Coach of the Year Award.
Sheldon’s team also won the Special Olympics Canada Team of the Year Award in 2017.
What have been the significant accomplishments (placings, rankings, records) of the teams or athletes during the coach’s career?
Gold Medal – 2015 SOS Provincial Floor Hockey Championships
Gold Medal – Assistant Coach 2016 Team Sask at the SOC National Winter Games
Silver Medal – Assistant Coach 2017 Team Canada at the SOC World Winter Games
Gold Medal – 2023 SOS Provincial Floor Hockey Championships.
Sheldon has been named Head Coach of Team Saskatchewan Floor Hockey who will be competing at the 2024 SOC National Winter Games in Calgary.
How have the coach’s teams or athletes demonstrated improvement? Please provide specific examples.
The athletes say when Sheldon wants his team to work on drills, he makes them feel good while they are learning. He will say things like you did this, and that is good, but now lets try this. If he knows you are trying, he will continually spend the time to grow your skills.
When teaching the players, Sheldon and his coaches walk through the drills step by step until the whole team is on the same page. He does all the drills with the players.
If a player has confidence issues, he will work with them. He always says “all are here for a reason, everyone’s reason is different, but we all still contribute to make the team”. Everyone belongs here.
Total number of years the coach has been actively coaching:
10
Indicate the level(s) of certification the coach has attained through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). Be sure to include all levels of certification for their sport(s) – theory/multi-sport modules, sport/specific/technical practical.
Trained- Cycling Coach – Lets Ride! Community Initiation
Trained Cycling – Ready to Race! Intro to Competition
Certified Level 1 – Cycling Mountain
Trained – Soccer for Life
Trained – Special Olympics Competition Coach
Certified – Speed Skating Fundamentals Coach and Intro to Competition
List any other recent (in the last five years) clinics, seminars, coaching education programs the coach has attended or contributions to coaching education the coach has made.
• Special Olympics Saskatchewan 2017- 2021 Coaches Symposiums
• NCCP Multi Sport online courses (2) – 1) Safe Sport Training, and 2) NCCP Sport Nutrition
• Special Olympics Saskatchewan 2021 Leadership Conference
• Special Olympics Canada NCCP online courses/National Team Program Sessions
• Coaching Athletes with Down Syndrome, 2) Importance of Nutrition & Sports, – – Exercise-Induced Asthma Training, 4) Diversity and Inclusion in Action, 5) Games Mental Health
• 2019 Petro-Canada Sport Leadership Conference, Richmond, BC
• Coaching Athletes with a Disability- Dec 2017
• Manage a Sport Program- Oct 2018
• Making Head Way in Soccer- Sept 2018
• Making Head Way in Speed Skating- Sept 2018
• Empower+ Oct 2019
• Safe Sport Training- Dec 2020
• Nutrition e-learning- NCCP Sport Nutrition- Mar 2021
What other awards or recognition has the coach received for contributions to sport?
Larry was named the 2020-2021 Special Olympics Saskatchewan Coach of the Year. He also lead the SO Freedom Fighters Fitness Program (involved a group of athletes from various SO sports) which won both the 2020-2021 Special Olympics Saskatchewan and Special Olympics Canada Team of the Year.
What have been the significant accomplishments (placings, rankings, records) of the teams or athletes during the coach’s career?
Larry has attended plenty of SOS provincial games, and at least 3 SOC National Games. Larry is a vital volunteer for the small SO Speed Skating world in Saskatchewan. Routinely filling the role as Team Sask Speed Skating coach even when the Team Sask athlete(s) are not from Saskatoon.
Additionally, Larry is one of the 2022 SOC Team Canada assistant coaches for speed skating. He is the only Saskatchewan coach or volunteer that is on 2022 Team Canada that will travel to Kazan. He is not only preparing local Saskatoon athlete Jordan Stevenson to compete at 2022 Worlds but also other speed skaters from across Canada. This is a huge commitment and honor. To be selected for such a role displays Larry’s coaching track record, training, and respect among his peers.
How have the coach’s teams or athletes demonstrated improvement? Please provide specific examples.
Due to COVID-19 nearly all Special Olympics Programs, Competitions and Events were cancelled in 2020-2021. Larry Fast lead one of the few programs that did run, a Fitness Program for Special Olympics Athletes. The program was offered both in person (and virtually, which involved some athletes from outside of Saskatoon). Larry’s enthusiasm and passion for leading SO athletes was on full display at each session.
Larry noticed a gap in Special Olympics training opportunities in Saskatoon and thus, created and implement the fitness program. Over the past few years, this program has gone from an idea to a small program to an extremely valuable and irreplaceable program. This fitness program is truly the gold standard for fitness programs in Saskatchewan right now.
Larry set an incredible culture of acceptance and everyone doing their best. The range in athletic abilities of Special Olympics athletes is incredibly wide, this programs was effective and adaptable to anyone at any point of the ability spectrum.
Nominee Supporting Document
Please include up to three reference letters from athletes, fellow coaches or others who can share specific examples of how the coach helped the all-around development of an athlete, as well as honoured the Coaching Code of Ethics including Responsible Coaching.
Total number of years the coach has been actively coaching:
32
Indicate the level(s) of certification the coach has attained through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). Be sure to include all levels of certification for their sport(s) – theory/multi-sport modules, sport/specific/technical practical.
• Senior Swimming Coach Certified
• Chartered professional coaching.
• Canada Games Coaching.
• Making Head Way in Sport.
• Asthma Management in Sports.
• Understanding the Rule of Two.
• Understanding Teen Dating Violence.
• Safe Sport Training.
• Bystander Empowerment.
• Gender-based Violence in Sport.
• Modelling Healthy Relationships
• Anti-racism in Coaching
• Coach Developer Training
• Athlete Representation Training: Athlete Director Module
• Athlete Representation Training: Athlete Representative Module
• Athlete Representation Training: Athletes’ Council Module
• Introduction to Para swimming eLearning module.
• CSCA Expanded Learning – Coaching Age Group Athletes.
• CSCA Expanded Learning – Swimming Canada High Performance Updates.
• Para Reach Webinar 5 – Classification Explained.
• Coaching Masters Swimmers eLearning Module.
• Introduction to Open Water Swimming eLearning module.
• Eating for Health eLearning Module.
• Managing Conflict.
• Resistance Training.
• Prevention and Recovery.
• NCCP Emergency Action Plan eLearning.
• Coaching Athletes with a Disability.
• Coach initiation in sport.
• Mental Health in Sport.
List any other recent (in the last five years) clinics, seminars, coaching education programs the coach has attended or contributions to coaching education the coach has made.
• PhD. Sports physiology (Sports cardiology)
• Post doctorate , Molecular exercise physiology.
• ASCA level 5, senior and age group coach. USA.
• ASA club coach. UK
• ASA coach certificate. UK
• International coaching clinic, hall of fame swimming, Fort Lauderdale. 2023
• Related concussion training certificate, university of Michigan .
• Science of exercise, university of Colorado.
• Science of training young athletes. University of Florida.
• Organizational leadership specialization. Northwestern University .
• Distance swimming school. ASCA. USA
• An introduction to long term development. UK.
• An introduction to the fundamentals of movement. UK .
• Dopping; sports, organizations and science . University of Lausanne
• Strategic plan and execution
• Saskatchewan Coaches Conference. Regina 29-Sep-2018
• Coaching Through COVID-19 Webinar #4: Build a High Performance Team.
• Performance analysis introduction and uses for everyday coaches
• Safe Sport Talks: A Touchy Subject: coach-athlete Relationship and Physical Contact or Touch
• Workshop #1: Mental Health Powers Performance: How Mental Health Can Be a Coach’s Best Asset
• Sport Nutrition – Let’s Get Started.
• SIRC – Air quality and outdoor sport safety.
• Safety or First Aid Course
What other awards or recognition has the coach received for contributions to sport?
Coaches Association of Saskatchewan for outstanding coaching achievements in 2022
What have been the significant accomplishments (placings, rankings, records) of the teams or athletes during the coach’s career?
Head Coach Hazem Hussein boasts an impressive list of coaching accomplishments throughout his illustrious career, which has spanned both Canada and the UK. His remarkable coaching acumen has led to the development of numerous national and international swimmers, resulting in a string of remarkable achievements.
One of the standout success stories under Coach Hazem’s guidance is Ali D, who secured a historic moment at the Nationals in 2023. Ali D not only reached the podium but clinched two coveted bronze medals, marking a significant milestone for both her and the Prince Albert Sharks Swimming Club. Her achievements extended to the Western Canadian Swimming Championship, where she garnered an astonishing six medals. Furthermore, Ali D demonstrated her excellence on the international stage at the Ken Demchuk International Para Swimming Championship, earning another six medals. Her impressive medal haul continued at the MANSASK Provincial Championship, with an astounding total of seven medals.
Myla M is another shining example of Coach Hazem’s influence, achieving six medals at the Provincial Championships, a testament to her remarkable growth and skill development under his tutelage.
Notably, Coach Hazem’s dedication and coaching prowess played a pivotal role in the Prince Albert Sharks Swim Club’s remarkable success. The club received the Top Small Club Award at the Junior Provincial Championship not once, but three times consecutively, showcasing the consistent excellence of its athletes. In 2013, the club earned the prestigious title of the Top Club at the Junior Provincial Championship, highlighting the collective achievement of the entire team.
Coach Hazem’s expertise extends to the masters’ category, where he has nurtured talents like Natasha N, who seized two gold and two bronze medals at the 2023 Canadian National Masters. Joy F, Karin F, and Sharon L emerged as provincial record-breakers under his mentorship, further solidifying his reputation as a transformative coach. Joy F’s victory in the Provincial Open Water competition in 2019 exemplifies Coach Hazem’s diverse coaching capabilities.
Coach Hazem’s significant accomplishments in both Canada and the UK underscore his ability to cultivate excellence in swimmers of all levels and his enduring impact on the sport of swimming. His impressive coaching journey continues to inspire and produce remarkable results.
How have the coach’s teams or athletes demonstrated improvement? Please provide specific examples.
Head Coach Hazem Hussein’s outstanding coaching prowess is exemplified through the remarkable improvements witnessed in his athletes and teams. Notably, one of his most promising young talents, Ali, has achieved a feat that speaks volumes about Coach Hazem’s ability to nurture talent and drive progress. Ali’s presence on the podium at the National Swimming Championships in Canada, at such a young age, is a testament to her exceptional potential. Officially recognized as a high-performance swimmer, Ali is on a trajectory that could see her represent Team Canada in international swimming championships and the ultimate pinnacle, the Olympic Games. Her journey from a talented swimmer to a national contender showcases Coach Hazem’s exceptional ability to develop and refine skills.
Beyond individual success, the Prince Albert Sharks Swim Club, under Coach Hazem’s guidance, has seen remarkable growth across all levels. The club’s expansion encompasses age group swimmers, master swimmers, para swimmers, senior swimmers, and even triathletes. This collective improvement is a reflection of Coach Hazem’s dedication to fostering excellence and driving progress throughout the club. His coaching philosophy not only elevates individual athletes but also contributes to the overall development and success of the team. The Prince Albert Sharks Swim Club’s ascent to greater heights is a testament to Coach Hazem’s unwavering commitment to cultivating a culture of growth, achievement, and continuous improvement.
Nominee Supporting Documents
Please include up to three reference letters from athletes, fellow coaches or others who can share specific examples of how the coach helped the all-around development of an athlete, as well as honoured the Coaching Code of Ethics including Responsible Coaching.
Total number of years the coach has been actively coaching:
17
Indicate the level(s) of certification the coach has attained through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). Be sure to include all levels of certification for their sport(s) – theory/multi-sport modules, sport/specific/technical practical.
Age Group Certified Coach:
TRAINING
Swimming 101 Pre-Course Online Workbook
Swimming 101 Course
Swift Current, SK 26-Sep-2010
Swimming 201 Course Yorkton SK 29-Aug-2011
Swimmimg 201 Pre-Course Workbook Ottawa ON 30-Dec-2011
EVALUATION
Swimming Fundamentals Coach Portfolio Evaluation SK 30-Sep-2011
Age Group Coach Portfolio Evaluation Regina SK 15-Feb-2018
Age Group Coach Evaluation at Competition Battleford SK 17-May-2018
NCCP Emergency Action Plan eLearning 24-Sep-2020Levels NCCP
Theory 1 Regina SK 5-Oct-2008
Theory 2 Regina SK 4-Aug-2011
TRAINING
Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders Calgary AB 24-Mar-2020
List any other recent (in the last five years) clinics, seminars, coaching education programs the coach has attended or contributions to coaching education the coach has made.
• Swim Sask Coaching Conference 2017 Springside SK 17-Sep-2017
• 2018 Swim SK Grassroots Coach Congress Watrous SK 9-Sep-2018
• South Youth Camp, Moose Jaw Moose Jaw SK 28-Oct-2018
• Western Canada Summer Games Regina SK 9-Aug-2019
• 2019 Swim SK Coach Conference Senior stream Humboldt SK 8-Sep-2019
• CSCA Women in Coaching Summit Ottawa ON 21-Nov-2020
• Leading Drug-free Sport – Online Training
• Leading Drug-free Sport Saskatoon SK 15-Oct-2016
• Managing Conflict Saskatoon SK 15-Oct-2016
• Prevention and Recovery Saskatoon SK 16-Oct-2016
• Psychology of Performance Saskatoon SK 5-Nov-2016
• Coaching and Leading Effectively Saskatoon SK 26-Nov-2016
• Developing Athletic Abilities Regina SK 3-Dec-2016
• Making Head Way in Sport 18-Sep-2016
• Developing Athletic Abilities pre-workshop session 19-Nov-2016
• Performance Planning Regina SK 3-Dec-2017
• Manage a Sport Program Regina SK 1-Dec-2017
• Advanced Practice Planning Regina SK 3-Dec-2017
• Coaching Athletes with a Disability 24-Sep-2018
• Safe Sport Training 24-Sep-2020
• Coach initiation in sport 24-Sep-2020
• Conference/Seminar Regina SK 15-Sep-2018
• Coach Mental Health Workshop Regina SK 31-Jan-2019
• 2020 Petro-Canada Sport Leadership sportif Conference Online ON 6-Nov-2020
• Coaching Through COVID-19 Webinar #2:Return to Modified Training in the Absence of Competition Online ON 18-Nov-2020
• The Video Game Approach to Coaching – 2021 Ontario Coaches Conference Toronto ON 27-Mar-2021
• A Nutrition Framework for Long-Term Athlete Development – 2021 Ontario Coaches Conference Toronto ON 26-Mar-2021
• Dare to Dream BIG: Empowering Yourself to Empower Others – 2021 Ontario Coaches Conference Toronto ON 24-Mar-2021
• Making an Impact – 2021 Ontario Coaches Conference Toronto ON 25-Mar-2021
• Finding Success in Coaching – 2021 Ontario Coaches Conference Toronto ON 26-Mar-2021
• From Culture to Content: An Athlete-Centered Approach to Optimize Learning – 2021 Ontario Coaches Co Toronto ON 25-Mar-2021
What other awards or recognition has the coach received for contributions to sport?
At this point has not received any other awards or recognition for contributions to sport.
What have been the significant accomplishments (placings, rankings, records) of the teams or athletes during the coach’s career?
Nothing specific as far as level, but has her own personal goals and accomplishments with making various training teams, specific goals with teams and swimmers, with life long love of sport.
Having swimmers get to ManSask Meets and having her swimmers meet their goals.
How have the coach’s teams or athletes demonstrated improvement? Please provide specific examples.
Listing Specific examples would be to long, as we would have to show all of the time that was taken off at our first swim meet of the year (2021) after not having swam at a meet in a year and half, but the Marlins Swim club has been through many bumps and hurdles over the last few years, this did not deter Melina. She continued to persevere and push her swimmers to be the best in the sport and in life they could be. She sets an example of for everyone that she is working with, whether it is her athlete, coaches, parents, and the Swim Sask community, on how to be a grow with all changes that come her way. She continues to adapt and change her coaching to whatever is put in her way, examples: Covid, pools closures, limited pool space. Her willingness to learn new skills to help herself and her swim community has been proven in her success with her club and her swimmers. Melina trains these swimmers to be stronger in the water, but she also trains to try and grow swimmers be respectful, strong, graceful, and community minded people in the world. With the willingness to learn and adapt she is able to create an environment where swimmers want to succeed in the pool and in life.
Nominee Supporting Document
Please include up to three reference letters from athletes, fellow coaches or others who can share specific examples of how the coach helped the all-around development of an athlete, as well as honoured the Coaching Code of Ethics including Responsible Coaching.
Total number of years the coach has been actively coaching:
70
Indicate the level(s) of certification the coach has attained through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). Be sure to include all levels of certification for their sport(s) – theory/multi-sport modules, sport/specific/technical practical.
• NCCP Level 2 (coaching # 383775)
• Respect In Sport (Activity Leader) re-certification in 2022
List any other recent (in the last five years) clinics, seminars, coaching education programs the coach has attended or contributions to coaching education the coach has made.
Coaching Education Development
• World Baton Twirling Federation (WBTF) Coaches’ Representative
• Canadian Baton Twirling Federation (CBTF) Coaches Representative
• Saskatchewan Baton Twirling Association (SBTA) Coaches Representative
• Lead Contributor to CBTF Pre-Competitive Program Revision (2021)
• Contributor to CBTF Skills Development Program Revision (2020-2022)
• Contributor to CBTF Coaching Course: Theory Content (2018-present)
• Contributor to CBTF Adjudication and Judging Course: Theory Content (2020-present)
• Contributor to WBTF Level I Coaches Course Theory (2021-2022)Clinics/Workshops
• Sask Baton Annual Fall Clinic (all five years)
• WBTF Twirl Nations Clinician – 2022
• WBTF Twirl Nations Clinic Attendee – 2018, 2019, 2023
Webinars
CBTF hosts 6-10 webinars annually for coaching education. Over the last several years, Maureen has presented at many, contributed knowledge to most, and attended all. There are too many to list. Most notably, she provided a series of webinars for the coaches on the updated judging system that WBTF is rolling out in 2026. This major shift in evaluation method is important for coaches to understand moving forward. Maureen was a major contributor to the development of the scoring system and created several tools and resources for coaches.
What other awards or recognition has the coach received for contributions to sport?
• Saskatchewan Sports Federation Volunteer of the Year Award Recipient – 1992, 1993, 1995
• Awarded – Manitoba Sports Federation Medals for coaching:
– Lucinda McMaster to three Canadian gold medals and three world medals (Bronze 1987, Silver 1988, Gold 1989)
– Kristen Macaraeg to two Grand National titles in both 1994 & 1995 (Medley, Solo dance)
– Michelle Opperman, member SOBG World Team (Bronze 1998)
• Inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame as a Builder in 2000
• Awarded: Lifetime Achievement Award by the Canadian Baton Twirling Federation in 1996
• Awarded: Lynda Garland Award for Excellence by Canadian Baton Twirling Federation in 2009
• Awarded: World Baton Twirling Federation Honorary Lifetime Membership in 2013
• Recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal 2023
What have been the significant accomplishments (placings, rankings, records) of the teams or athletes during the coach’s career?
Coach of many award-winning individuals, groups and teams at the Provincial, Western, Canadian and World level, including the SOBG World Team who were:
• World Gold Medalists in 1991
• World Silver Medalists in 1988, 1990, 1993, and 1994
• World Bronze medalists in 1989, 1995, 1998 and 2007
• IBTF Grand Prix Bronze Medalists in 2017
• IBTF International Cup Bronze Medalists in 2019Coach of the following Pairs World Medalists:
• 1999 – Gold Medal Sr. pair – Jennifer Tangjerd and Leah Holliday
• 2002 – Bronze Medal Jr. pair – Victoria Dauncey and Whitney Nichols
• 2003 – Bronze Medal Jr. pair – Melanda Shay and Erin Ryan
• 2007 – Bronze Medal Jr. pair – Kiera West and Alicia LarkinCoach of the following World Medalist;
• 1985, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993 – Gold Medal – Stacy Singer
• 1986, 1987 – Bronze Medal – Stacy Singer
• 2022 – Silver Medal – Julee Stewart
How have the coach’s teams or athletes demonstrated improvement? Please provide specific examples.
Over Maureen’s 70 years of coaching experience, she has guided innumerable athletes to success at a local, provincial, national, and international level. More importantly, she helps every athlete she coaches to find personal success and satisfaction.
Maureen emphasizes the importance of correct basics as a foundation for success. She scaffolds her teaching by building on prior skills. Any athlete who wishes to, can progress from a recreational level to become a highly competitive athlete. In fact, Maureen has coached at every WBTF World Championships Event since the inception of the event in 1980 with the exception of 1981 where she was the Judge from Canada. Regardless of skill level, Maureen dedicates herself to helping each athlete find success. Her philosophy is that “every elite athlete was once a beginner,” meaning that teaching the basics is just as important and requires as much dedication as teaching the world champion.
Over the course of a year, Maureen’s athletes continue to hone their technique, learn new skills, and increase their proficiency. She always designs routines that are achievable for each athlete or team, and as they progress over the season increases the difficulty when each athlete or team is ready.
For example, last season, one team was fairly new to competitive group events. These athletes found their routine quite challenging in the early season and worked hard to accurately perform their skills. In the spring at the first competition, they performed well, but with a few errors. They came second to another club. Over the next few months, Maureen continued to improve their work and was able to increase the difficulty. By the end of the season, this team had their best performance and earned a gold medal at nationals!
Nominee Supporting Documents
Please include up to three reference letters from athletes, fellow coaches or others who can share specific examples of how the coach helped the all-around development of an athlete, as well as honoured the Coaching Code of Ethics including Responsible Coaching.
Total number of years the coach has been actively coaching:
15
Indicate the level(s) of certification the coach has attained through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). Be sure to include all levels of certification for their sport(s) – theory/multi-sport modules, sport/specific/technical practical.
NCCP Level 1 Track
NCCP Level 1 Gymnastics
Working on Advanced Development in Volleyball (just waiting for on court evaluation that’s been sent to evaluator) Trained (waiting for certified)
Performance Coach Volleyball (in training)
CSEP certified in the past
List any other recent (in the last five years) clinics, seminars, coaching education programs the coach has attended or contributions to coaching education the coach has made.
Assistant Coach of University of Regina Cougars
Finding Mastery online training with Dr. Michael Gervais and Courtney Thompson
Video Courses – Canada Cup Coaching Series
What other awards or recognition has the coach received for contributions to sport?
Coaching Excellence Award from Sask Sport in 2013 for supporting a track athlete to a CSG Bronze medal.
What have been the significant accomplishments (placings, rankings, records) of the teams or athletes during the coach’s career?
National Bronze Medal Summer 2023 with Sask Volleyball Women’s Team at the Canada Cup in Niagara, Canada.
Div 2 Silver Provincial Medal 2019 with Summit Volleyball
Div.2 Bronze Provincial Medal 2023 with Summit Volleyball
How have the coach’s teams or athletes demonstrated improvement? Please provide specific examples.
The biggest improvement would be in the mental health of all she coaches. Incredible team culture, working as one and united in goals and efforts. Every athlete knows their value (that isn’t tied to their performance).
Nominee Supporting Documents
Please include up to three reference letters from athletes, fellow coaches or others who can share specific examples of how the coach helped the all-around development of an athlete, as well as honoured the Coaching Code of Ethics including Responsible Coaching.
Total number of years the coach has been actively coaching:
23
Indicate the level(s) of certification the coach has attained through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). Be sure to include all levels of certification for their sport(s) – theory/multi-sport modules, sport/specific/technical practical.
NCCP LEVEL 1 LACROSSE
NCCP LEVEL 2 LACROSSE
LACROSSE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COACHING
LACROSSE COMMUNITY COACH INITIATION
LACROSSE COMPETITION INTRODUCTION
LACROSSE COMPETITION DEVELOPMENT
SOCCER COMMUNITY COACH
List any other recent (in the last five years) clinics, seminars, coaching education programs the coach has attended or contributions to coaching education the coach has made.
NCCP LEVEL 1 LACROSSE
NCCP LEVEL 2 LACROSSE
LACROSSE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COACHING
LACROSSE COMMUNITY COACH INITIATION
LACROSSE COMPETITION INTRODUCTION
LACROSSE COMPETITION DEVELOPMENT
SOCCER COMMUNITY COACH
What other awards or recognition has the coach received for contributions to sport?
Don has also been the recipient of the SLA Coaches award a few times and SLA Volunteer of the Year in 2009. In December 2022 Don was awarded The Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee medal for 30 years of Volunteer Service for sports in the community, Province and Canada.
What have been the significant accomplishments (placings, rankings, records) of the teams or athletes during the coach’s career?
Don started coaching with Queen City Minor Box Lacrosse (QCMBL) back in 2000 the year after his son Dallan started to play lacrosse in the PeeWee division. The league at that time consisted of approximately 50 players. The following year Don’s daughter Taryn was Novice age and he managed to recruit enough kids to play Novice which created 2 new Novice teams in the in QCMBL. Since then, Don has coached approximately 65 different teams in the past 20 years.
Don has coached every division of lacrosse from Novice to Senior in the Queen City Minor Box Lacrosse league. Don has coached at the National level with the Bantam and Midget provincial SK Storm teams (2002, 2005 and 2009), Founders Cup twice (2007 and 2011). Don even stepped up to coach the SK U19 Field Lacrosse team in 2007 at the Alumni Cup in Kitchener, Ontario. Don also coached the Stealth Junior B team combined of Moose Jaw and Regina players in the Rocky Mountain Lacrosse League (RMLL) (2008). Don has also taken several teams annually to the Calgary or Edmonton Canada Day Tournaments in order to extend the short lacrosse season.
When teams did not have coaches in place Don would usually step up and coach an extra team over and above the 2 teams he coached every year that his children played on. Don also volunteered to coach at the 2008 Summer Games for Zone 2 in Lloydminster and organized several Bob Ryan Memorial All Star games in memory of his neighbour.
For the past 12 years Don has coached a team from Standing Buffalo First Nation. He also coached the 2014 U16 team at the North American Indigenous games and the 2017 SK Indigenous Summer Games – U16 File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council (Tony Cote games) (Head Coach).
These teams that Don coached were always very disciplined and have won several Gold and Silver medals at the City level, Provincials, and the Calgary/Edmonton tournaments.
Lacrosse has also provided great opportunities for Don. The Senior Heat team was accepted to the Ales Hrebesky Memorial tournament in Prague, Czech in 2015.
Over the years, in addition to coaching, Don has volunteered his time to the QCMBL executive as the Coach Coordinator, Director of Suspension, conducting evaluations, as well as the SLA Box Coaching Sector Chairman from 2013-2015.
Due to health concerns Don had to step down from coaching the U16 Team SK at the 2017 North American Indigenous Games in Toronto, ON and Team Turkey at the 2017 European Box Lacrosse Tournament in Turku Finland.
Don’s Lacrosse Coaching Career
• 2000 QCMBL PeeWee (Rage) Box – (Ass’t Coach)
• 2000 QCMBL Novice (Rock) Box – (Head Coach)
– Silver Medalist @ SK Provincials
• 2001 QCMB: Coaching Coordinator
• 2001 QCMBL Bantam (Crush) Box – (Head Coach)
– QCMBL City Champs
• 2001 QCMBL Novice (Smash) Box – (Head Coach)
• 2001 Regina Bantam (Rock) Box – Calgary Canada Day Tournament – (Head Coach)
– Silver Medalist
• 2001 Regina Novice (Bandits) Box – Calgary Canada Day Tournament – (Head Coach)
– Silver Medalist
• 2002 QCMBL Coaching Coordinator and Discipline committee
• 2002 QCMBL PeeWee (Renegades) Box – (Head Coach)
– Regina Provincial representatives
• 2002 QCMBL Bantam (Rebels) Box – (Head Coach)
– Regina Provincial representatives
• 2002 Regina Bantam (Rock) Box – Edmonton Canada Day Tournament – (Head Coach)
• 2002 Regina PeeWee (Renegades) Box – Edmonton Canada Day Tournament – (Head Coach)
• 2002 Bantam (Attack) Box Nationals – Saskatoon, SK (Head Coach)
• 2003 QCMBL Midget (Buzz) Box – (Head Coach)
– Silver Medalist at Provincials (Blues)
• 2003 QCMBL PeeWee (Titans) – (Head Coach)
– Won Gold Medal SK Provincials
• 2003 Regina PeeWee (Titans) Box – Calgary Canada Day Tournament – (Head Coach)
– Gold Medalist
• 2004 QCMBL Coaching Coordinator
• 2004 QCMBL Midget (Crossfire) Box – Head Coach
– Won Silver at SK Provincials
• 2004 QCMBL Bantam (Titans) Box – Head Coach
• 2004 Regina Bantam (Titans) Box – Calgary Canada Day Tournament – (Head Coach)
– Silver Medalists
• 2005 QCMBL Bantam (Rebels) Box – (Ass’t Coach)
• 2005 QCMBL Junior (Riot) Box – (Ass’t Coach)
• 2005 Sask Storm Bantam Box Nationals – Burnaby, BC (Ass’t Coach)
• 2006 Moose Jaw Junior (Mustangs) Box – (Ass’t Coach)
– PGLL Provincial Champions
• 2007 QCMBL PeeWee (Jackalopes) Box – (Ass’t Coach)
• 2007 Q CMBL Junior (Riot) Box – (Head Coach)
– PGLL Provincial Champions
• 2007 organized Bob Ryan Memorial Tournament
• 2007 Moose Jaw Mustangs – Founders Junior Box Nationals – Kamloops, BC (Ass’t Coach)
• 2007 U19 Alumni Cup (Field) – Kitchener, ON (Ass’t Coach)
• 2007 SLA Coach of the Year
• 2008 QCMBL Junior (Riot) Box – (Ass’t Coach)
• 2008 RMLL Stealth – Junior Box – (Ass’t Coach)
• 2008 Summer Games (Box Lacrosse) – Lloydminster, SK – (Ass’t Coach Zone 2)
– Won Gold Medal
• 2009 QCMBL Junior (Riot) Box – (Ass’t Coach)
– PGLL Silver Medalist at SK Provincials
• 2009 organized Bob Ryan Memorial All Star Tournament – South SK coach
• 2009 Midget Storm – Calgary Canada Day Tournament – (Coach)
• 2009 Midget Storm Nationals – Brampton, ON (coach)
• 2009 SLA Volunteer of the Year
• 2010 established new PGLL Regina Rifles Junior Box team (Head Coach)
• 2010 QCMBL Director of Suspensions
• 2011 QCMBL Director of Suspensions
• 2011 Q CMBL Junior (Riot) Box – (Head Coach)
• 2011 organized Bob Ryan Memorial All Star Tournament – South SK coach
• 2011 Sask Selects – Founders Junior Box Nationals – Saskatoon, SK (Head Coach)
• 2011 Standing Buffalo Fight Sioux Novice Box – (Ass’t Coach)
• 2012 QCMBL Bantam (Stealth) – (Head Coach)
• 2012 Standing Buffalo Fighting Sioux Novice Box – (Ass’t Coach)
• 2012 PGLL Regina Riot Junior Box (Head Coach)
– PGLL Junior Provincial Champions (from 1st Novice team)
• 2013 Standing Buffalo Fighting Sioux PeeWee Box – (Ass’t Coach)
– Won Gold Medal at SK Provincials
– Invited to Provincial Legislature
• 2013 PGLL Regina Riot Junior Box (Head Coach)
• 2013 PGLL Regina Senior Heat (Head Coach)
– PGLL Provincial Champions
• 2013 – 2015 SLA Box Coaching Sector Chairman
• 2014 QCMBL PeeWee (Stealth) – (Head Coach)
– Silver Medal City Finalist
• 2014 Standing Buffalo Fighting Sioux Bantam Box – (Ass’t Coach)
• 2014 PGLL Regina Riot Junior Box (Head Coach)
• 2014 PGLL Regina Senior Heat (Head Coach)
• 2014 – U16 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) – Regina, SK (Head Coach)
• 2015 Regina Senior Heat – Ales Hrybeski International World Tournament – Prague CZ – (Head Coach)
• 2015 PGLL Regina Riot Junior Box (Head Coach)
• 2015 PGLL Regina Heat Senior Box – (Head Coach)
• 2015 Standing Buffalo Fighting Sioux Bantam Box – (Ass’t Coach)
– QCMBL Silver medalist
• 2015 Standing Buffalo Fighting Sioux Bantam Box – Calgary Canada Day Tournament – (Ass’t Coach)
– Gold Medalists
• 2016 QCMBL Director of Suspensions
• 2016 PGLL Regina Riot Junior Box (Head Coach)
– PGLL Silver medalist
– SLA Team of the Year
• 2016 Standing Buffalo Fighting Sioux Midget Box – (Ass’t Coach)
– QCMBL Bronze medalist
• 2016 Standing Buffalo Fighting Sioux Midget Box – Calgary Canada Day Tournament – (Ass’t Coach)
• 2017 Standing Buffalo Fighting Sioux Midget Box – (Ass’t Coach)
– QCMBL Gold medalist
• 2017 Standing Buffalo Fighting Sioux Midget Provincials
– Won Silver medal at SK Provincials
• 2017 SK Indigenous Summer Games (Tony Cote Summer games) – U16 File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council (Head Coach)
– Won Gold medal
Due to health concerns in the summer, Don had to step down from coaching:
• 2017 North American Indigenous Games – Toronto, ON (Long Distance Head Coach) – Silver medal
• 2017 Team Turkey @ European Box Lacrosse Tournament – Turku Finland
• 2018 Standing Buffalo Fighting Sioux Midget Box – (Ass’t Coach)
In 2019 Don’s daughter Taryn started the first ever Female lacrosse program in Regina
• 2019 QCMBL (Novice) Female (Queens) Box – (Ass’t Coach)
• 2019 Standing Buffalo Fighting Sioux 1st Junior Box team in PGLL- (Ass’t Coach)
– PGLL Gold medalists
• 2019 Standing Buffalo Fighting Sioux Bantam Box – Calgary Canada Day Tournament – (Ass’t Coach)
– Silver Medalists in “B” division 2020 and 2021 no lacrosse due to Covid
In 2022 Don’s son Dallan coached the mini-tyke league in which Don helped coach his 4-year old Grand-daughter
• 2022 QCMBL U5 (mini-Tyke) Box – (Ass’t Coach)
• 2022 QCMBL U12 Female (Queens) Box – (Ass’t Coach)
• 2022 Regina U14 Female (Queens) Box – Calgary Canada Day Tournament – (Ass’t Coach)
– First Female SK team to play in Calgary Canada Day Tournament
• 2022 Standing Buffalo Fighting Sioux (U16) Box – (Head Coach)
• 2023 QCMBL U5 (mini-Tyke) Box – (Ass’t Coach)
– 2023 QCMBL (U13) Female (Queens) Box Travel team – (Ass’t Coach)
• 2023 Standing Buffalo Fighting Sioux (U13) Box South Sask Lacrosse League (SSLL) – (Ass’t Coach)
– Won Gold medal at Saskatoon Silver Stick tournament
– Won SSLL playoffs
– Won Silver medal in SSLL Provincials “B” division
• 2023 U17 Female Team Saskatchewan – Box Lacrosse Nationals – (Ass’t Coach) Placing 4th
How have the coach’s teams or athletes demonstrated improvement? Please provide specific examples.
Coach Don could take a team from last place and build them to be amazing contenders. I seen him do just that with the U17 TEAM SASK GIRLS. But please look above to see how he took so many of his team and made them the best they could be!
Nominee Supporting Documents
Please include up to three reference letters from athletes, fellow coaches or others who can share specific examples of how the coach helped the all-around development of an athlete, as well as honoured the Coaching Code of Ethics including Responsible Coaching.
Total number of years the coach has been actively coaching:
15
Indicate the level(s) of certification the coach has attained through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). Be sure to include all levels of certification for their sport(s) – theory/multi-sport modules, sport/specific/technical practical.
NCCP Comp Dev Certified Triathlon Coach.
Has completed all comp dev multi-sport modules.
List any other recent (in the last five years) clinics, seminars, coaching education programs the coach has attended or contributions to coaching education the coach has made.
Brett Sutton Triathlon Coach Certification
Worked with Triathlon Canada for a National Development camp in both 2022 and 2023. He was selected along with 4 other coaches to coach and mentor at the camp in 2023.
What other awards or recognition has the coach received for contributions to sport?
2017 Triathlon Saskatchewan Coach of the Year.
2019 Prairie Dog magazine Regina’s Best Personal Trainer
2023 Coach Recognition from Coaches Association of Saskatchewan for helping an athlete podium at National Championships.
What have been the significant accomplishments (placings, rankings, records) of the teams or athletes during the coach’s career?
Since 2018 our Team has had numerous highlights:
2018 Western Canadian Triathlon Relay champions
2019 Won 4 medals at Western Canada Games
2022 Had 3 top 4 finishes at Canada Games
2022 Bronze medal JR female national championships
2022 6th and 7th Elite females at National Championships
2023 Silver medal Jr female National championships
2023 4th and 8th place Jr Male National championships
2023 5th place U23 female National championships
2023 7th and 8th Elite females National Championships
Currently has 4 athletes with World Triathlon Rankings
Numerous athlete podiums and successes at National and international level competitions.
Has helped 5 athletes get scholarships or compete on college or university teams.
2 athletes have gone on triathlon scholarships to US Universities.
We have had athletes be selected for continental championships and even FISU World Championships.
How have the coach’s teams or athletes demonstrated improvement? Please provide specific examples.
Triathlon Saskatchewan went from being the worst program in Western Canada in 2015 in Fort McMurray to placing 4th in the country in 2022 at Canada games.
Had we not had our national relay championships cancelled this year (2023) we would have been 3rd.
Total number of years the coach has been actively coaching:
13
Indicate the level(s) of certification the coach has attained through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). Be sure to include all levels of certification for their sport(s) – theory/multi-sport modules, sport/specific/technical practical.
I have attached Monica Peterson’ NCCP portfolio to this nomination form.
List any other recent (in the last five years) clinics, seminars, coaching education programs the coach has attended or contributions to coaching education the coach has made.
I have attached Monica Peterson’ NCCP portfolio to this nomination form.
What other awards or recognition has the coach received for contributions to sport?
Hockey Saskatchewan’s Coach of the Year for the 2022-23 season.
What have been the significant accomplishments (placings, rankings, records) of the teams or athletes during the coach’s career?
Monica Peterson (Weyburn, Sask.) has a passion for hockey that’s inspirational, and she works tirelessly to share that with her city and the surrounding area. Peterson has been the director of Weyburn MHA’s U5, U7, and U9 divisions and stepped up to coach two teams (U7 and U9) when there weren’t enough volunteers. Her elite hockey background combined with her comfort in teaching fundamental skills have been instrumental to many young players having a positive start in the sport. She shares drills and her coaching methodology with other volunteers and ensures that those within her divisions, all of which who are coaching alongside her, practice and enforce fair ice time. Peterson has also created a mini-league for children that did not make their division’s carded teams to continue development on those designated weekends. She is not only a wonderful mentor for coaches and players but also for the young group of officials. Peterson values all members of the hockey community and understands the crucial role of developing officials and off-ice volunteers to support players and coaches. Despite a loss in the family this past year, she upheld her commitment to the Weyburn MHA and her dedication to hockey is an inspiration to all. Peterson is an exemplary candidate for this award which recognizes her resilience and love of the game that she shared with so many.
How have the coach’s teams or athletes demonstrated improvement? Please provide specific examples.
The following is a quote on team improvement from one of Monica’s reference letters:
“When Monica is not leading at the Board or Division level she’s leading as a coach for teams in U9 and U7. Her elite hockey background combined with her comfort of teaching fundamental hockey skills and technique has been instrumental co many young players having a positive start in the sport. Overall, Monica is driven to make organized hockey as fun as it can be for the kids and families of Weyburn. She strives to see the players and coaches have the opportunity to improve and for everyone to enjoy their experience.” – Jeff Walkeden.
Nominee Supporting Documents
Please include up to three reference letters from athletes, fellow coaches or others who can share specific examples of how the coach helped the all-around development of an athlete, as well as honoured the Coaching Code of Ethics including Responsible Coaching.
Total number of years the coach has been actively coaching:
15
Indicate the level(s) of certification the coach has attained through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). Be sure to include all levels of certification for their sport(s) – theory/multi-sport modules, sport/specific/technical practical.
• Nov 2008 Trained CanSkate Coach
• July 2010 Certified Regional Coach
• Oct 2012 Certified Provincial Coach
• Dec 2014 Certified Level 3
• Sept 2016 Certified National (Transferred Level 3)
• Mar 2018 PowerSkate Learning Facilitator
• Dec 2018 Trained Hockey Coach 1
• Dec 2029 Trained Hockey Coach 2
List any other recent (in the last five years) clinics, seminars, coaching education programs the coach has attended or contributions to coaching education the coach has made.
• National Coach Apprenticeship Program (Skate Canada)
• National Technical Director Meetings
• Skate Canada Quadrennial Debrief
• NextGen Development Camp
• Ice Summit
• NextGen Competition
What other awards or recognition has the coach received for contributions to sport?
• NextGen Coach
What have been the significant accomplishments (placings, rankings, records) of the teams or athletes during the coach’s career?
Skate Canada Challenge – Junior/Senior November 30th – December 4th, 2022 in Winnipeg
• Junior Pair: 1st – A. Schmitz (Shellbrook SC) & T. Taylor (Skate Regina)
• Junior Women: 38th – R. Renwick (Skate Regina)
• Senior Pair: 5th – C. Derenisky (Skate Regina) & R. Eberl (Skate Regina)
Canadian Tire National Skating Championships January 9th – 14th, 2023 in Oshawa
• Junior Pair: 4th A. Schmitz (Shellbrook SC) & T. Taylor (Skate Regina)
• Senior Pair: 6th C. Derenisky (Skate Regina) & R. Eberl (Skate Regina)
Ice Challenger November 9th – 13th, 2022 in Gazar, Austria
• Junior Pair: 1st A. Schmitz (Shellbrook SC) & T. Taylor (Skate Regina)
2023 ISU World Championships – February 27th – March 5th, 2023 in Calgary
• Junior Pair: 11th A. Schmitz (Shellbrook SC) & T. Taylor (Skate Regina)
How have the coach’s teams or athletes demonstrated improvement? Please provide specific examples.
David along with his wife Vicki started pair skating in Saskatchewan, a discipline that was declining across Canada. They have been a part of Skate Canada initiatives to help build pairs across Canada.
Currently, he is coaching two (2) successful Senior Pair teams.
Ashlyn Schmitz/Tristan Taylor both had backgrounds in singles skating before connecting as a pairs team in 2018. One year later, they won a bronze medal at the Canada Winter Games. Since the pair has advanced to their best season to-date. In the 2022/2023 season, Schmitz/Taylor achieved the following: 2023 ISU Junior Worlds (11th), 2023 Canadian Tire National Championships (4th) , 2023 Skate Canada Challenge (Gold), Ice Challenge in Gazer, Austria (Gold), Baltic Cup in Gdansk, Poland (6th), Junior Grand Prix in Riga, Latvia (Bronze). Schmitz & Taylor were members of the Skate Canada NextGen Team.
Caidence Derenisky & Raine Eberl received their first international assignment in September 2023.
Nominee Supporting Documents
Please include up to three reference letters from athletes, fellow coaches or others who can share specific examples of how the coach helped the all-around development of an athlete, as well as honoured the Coaching Code of Ethics including Responsible Coaching.
Total number of years the coach has been actively coaching:
32
Indicate the level(s) of certification the coach has attained through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). Be sure to include all levels of certification for their sport(s) – theory/multi-sport modules, sport/specific/technical practical.
NCCP Level 4 with Chartered Professional Coach designation
BA (Honours) in Kinesiology (York University)
MA in Exercise Physiology and Coaching Science (Western University)
List any other recent (in the last five years) clinics, seminars, coaching education programs the coach has attended or contributions to coaching education the coach has made.
Rob has actively encouraged current athletes to increase their knowledge around coaching. He has facilitated their attendance in Canoe Kids courses and for older athletes, ELCC certification. He has sheperded multiple athletes in the transition from high performance athlete to day camp leader, to Developmental Coach. He has been a strong advocate for growing the base of coaches in Saskatchewan.
Rob has also advocated for encouraging the training of officials to grow the pool of skilled volunteers. He has encouraged linking local volunteers to Provincial and National resources.
What other awards or recognition has the coach received for contributions to sport?
Rob is not quick to brag about any previous accomplishments or awards he has received. However, a quick Google news search will show that he was a member of five Canadian Olympic Teams between 1980 and 1996, and the coach responsible for the Olympic gold and bronze medal winning K2 crew in 1984, and World Championship medal winning crews in 1982, 1983 and 1985.
More recently, Rob successfully petitioned for safe return to activity for Canoe/Kayak in Spring 2020 during the height of the Covid 19 pandemic. He argued that, like golfing and fishing (the first activities given the green light to resume by the Saskatchewan government), paddling could be safe. He outlined a protocol that incorporated the most up to date data available for infection control and led the way for our sport to safely resume. He had our athletes back on the water and gave them a sense of normalcy during a profoundly abnormal time. This provided athletes with a physical, social, and emotional outlet that supported their well-being across multiple areas. His protocol served as a model for several clubs across Canada to return to sport safely in 2020.
What have been the significant accomplishments (placings, rankings, records) of the teams or athletes during the coach’s career?
Rob led Canada’s National Team program from 1985 to 1999 and coached five Canadian Olympic Teams between 1980 and 1996. Prior to joining SRCC Rob worked as a Senior Podium Coach in Great Britain where he worked with Women’s Kayak Team in preparation for the 2016 Rio Olympics. He moved to Saskatoon in 2017.
In 2023, SRCC athletes earned 6 gold medals, 4 Silver medals, and 2 Bronze medals at Canada Cup West. At 2023 Nationals, we had 11 athletes from Saskatoon compete in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, with 9 of those athletes making it to Finals in at least one event, eight of them finishing in the top ten. A club like Saskatoon is David against the Goliath of Eastern Clubs. To further this analogy, that would make Rob our slingshot. Just google Rideau Canoe Club for a quick visual comparison of what our athletes are up against.
At the 2023 NAIG games, SRCC athlete Kona Lacroix won 3 Silver medals and one Bronze medal in Canoe Kayak events.
How have the coach’s teams or athletes demonstrated improvement? Please provide specific examples.
Rob understands that, in order for a Club to consistently produce high performance athletes, the Club must be vibrant and growing in number.
When Rob first started coaching in Saskatchewan, two athletes travelled to Canada Summer Games in 2017. For the 2022 Canada Summer Games, the number of athletes from Saskatoon grew to nine. I have no doubt that those numbers will continue to grow if we can convince Rob to stay with us as a coach for CSG 2025 in St Johns, Newfoundland.
Rob has also helped to grow the diversity of our Club and continues to advocate for us to link with more folks in our community. For example, he has connected with the CNIB to offer Learn to Paddle initiatives for athletes with visual impairments. He also successfully sought grant money to purchase several Para boats to add to our fleet. This has allowed us to offer programming to folks who would benefit from a more stable boat, such as those with physical or cognitive differences. These programs have increased the skills of our coaches and fostered connections within our community.
Nominee Supporting Documents
Please include up to three reference letters from athletes, fellow coaches or others who can share specific examples of how the coach helped the all-around development of an athlete, as well as honoured the Coaching Code of Ethics including Responsible Coaching.
Total number of years the coach has been actively coaching:
12
Indicate the level(s) of certification the coach has attained through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). Be sure to include all levels of certification for their sport(s) – theory/multi-sport modules, sport/specific/technical practical.
Trevor has taken every coaching level seminar available including the international coaching level clinics. He’s certified in all Baseball Canada’s NCCP levels, respect to sport certifications, he’s a member of the Coaching Association of Baseball Canada and he’s also a member of the ABCA American baseball coaches association.
List any other recent (in the last five years) clinics, seminars, coaching education programs the coach has attended or contributions to coaching education the coach has made.
Trevor has taken every coaching level seminar available including the international coaching level clinics. He’s certified in all Baseball Canada’s NCCP levels, he’s a member of the Coaching Association of Baseball Canada and he’s also a member of the ABCA American baseball coaches association. He has respect to sport certifications as well.
What other awards or recognition has the coach received for contributions to sport?
Coach of the Year for Saskatchewan from Baseball Sask
What have been the significant accomplishments (placings, rankings, records) of the teams or athletes during the coach’s career?
• 11U AAA Silver in Saskatchewan Provincials for Baseball 2018 – Regina, Saskatchewan
• 15U AAA Tier 2 Gold Medal Provincial Champions 2022 – Regina, Saskatchewan
• 13U AAA PeeWee Best of the West Gold Medal Champions 2023 – Kamloops, BC
• 13U AAA Okotoks Tournament Champions 2023
• Dusters Fall Classic Gold Medal Champions 2023 – Regina, Saskatchewan
How have the coach’s teams or athletes demonstrated improvement? Please provide specific examples.
Trevor Weir has lit a fire for the love of baseball in countless number of baseball athletes, starting 12 years ago in Rally Cap and continuing with every level up along the way throughout the years. He not only has a passion for baseball, but he deeply cares about every one of his athletes in developing not only their skills, but their character. He impacts the young athletes by building the love for baseball in all the players, watching them strive to become confident, positive teammates, creating positive sportsmanship and becoming great community members and role models. His coaching ability has built long term relations between these athletes and their families. In 2020 he founded the Dusters Baseball Program. A program that prides themselves in reputation and strives to install the love of sport, competition and sportsmanship through the programs delivery. He created the foundational values of Enjoyment( if the team is not having fun, the team cannot get better) Appreciation (appreciate the opportunities provided through sport, value the relationships built and be grateful for the opportunities), Sportsmanship ( have fun, respect the game, play hard with all these allows the position for success). He treats everyone of his athletes fairly, with respect and with dignity while balancing challenging his athletes to improve their skills, game knowledge and character. The dedication of time, effort, thought and love that Trevor Weir puts towards coaching his athletes every season is immeasurable. His coaching doesn’t end when the season ends, Trevor Coaches all year, running clinics to continue developing these young athletes. The positive impact that Trevor Weir has on all aspects of developing young athletes is inspirational and is seen through the continued success his athletes and his teams continue to have throughout the year. There is no better Candidate for Coach Dedication of the year award then Trevor Weir.
Nominee Supporting Documents
Please include up to three reference letters from athletes, fellow coaches or others who can share specific examples of how the coach helped the all-around development of an athlete, as well as honoured the Coaching Code of Ethics including Responsible Coaching.
Total number of years the coach has been actively coaching:
14
Indicate the level(s) of certification the coach has attained through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). Be sure to include all levels of certification for their sport(s) – theory/multi-sport modules, sport/specific/technical practical.
Information gathered from Patrick’s NCCP Locker:
• Trained Advanced Development Coach, Beach Volleyball
• Trained Advanced Development Coach, Indoor Volleyball
• Technical 2 Beach (Training)
• Making Ethical Decisions
• Planning a Practice
• Nutrition
• Making Headway in Sport
• Safe Sport Training
• Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders
List any other recent (in the last five years) clinics, seminars, coaching education programs the coach has attended or contributions to coaching education the coach has made.
Patrick Winand has been an active coach within Saskatchewan since a very early age, coaching and mentoring athletes and coaches for over 13 years. Patrick resides in Saskatchewan and, through many platforms, including an impressive run with the Saskatchewan Volleyball Association, has made a leading impact in many communities throughout the province in the sport of volleyball. He is NCCP-certified in both beach volleyball and indoor volleyball. He has completed many additional professional development courses, including Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders, Concussion Protocol, Suicide Prevention Training, Violence Threat Risk Assessment Training (VTRA) and Mental Health First Aid Training. He holds a bachelors degree in Education from the University of Regina and has nearly completed a master’s degree in Education from Yorkville University in Leadership. Patrick’s sports dedication is equally impressive as his history in coaching and being a leader. Patrick contributed for three years to developing future teachers as a supervisor for the Faculty of Education internships. He also taught Intro to Volleyball and Foundations of Coaching at the university level as a session instructor from 2019-2022.
What other awards or recognition has the coach received for contributions to sport?
Patrick’s past recognitions, beyond medals and finishes, speak to his consistent dedication throughout the past 13 years. In 2017 Patrick was awarded Saskatchewan Volleyball Performance Coach of the Year; in 2018, he was recognized by the Coaches Association of Saskatchewan for “Outstanding Coaching Achievements”; in 2019, Patrick was awarded the Saskatchewan Volleyball Marleen Hoffman Volunteer Award from Saskatchewan Volleyball; in 2022/2023 Patrick won Teacher of the Year for Inclusion Saskatchewan; and in 2023 Patrick was awarded the National Inclusive Education Award from Inclusion Canada. These accolades represent Patrick’s determination, dedication, and unwavering spirit to be a transformative leader.
What have been the significant accomplishments (placings, rankings, records) of the teams or athletes during the coach’s career?
Patrick attended the University of Regina for his undergraduate degree. Here, he helped out coaching with the University of Regina Cougars Women’s Volleyball team and later became the assistant coach for the University of Regina Cougars Men’s Volleyball team while teaching full time and also coaching high school, club, and Sask Volleyball Provincial Team. Leading up to his involvement at the post-secondary level, Patrick was a dedicated coach and served on many boards and committees for the Cougars Volleyball Club, Queen City Volleyball Club, Wolves Volleyball Club, Regina Volleyball Club, Team Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Sports Summer Games, and Greenall High School to name a few. Here, he won numerous championships, including silver at the Canada Cup in a full 5 set match, several gold and silver championships at 5A Volleyball Provincials with Greenall High School on the Seniors Girls ands Boys, Regina City Champions for Junior Boys Volleyball, and championships at Sask Volleyball Provincials, most notably Gold at Sask 16U Men’s Provincials, 4th Place in Division 1 Tier 1 Volleyball Canada Nationals, and many Sask Cup golds, silvers, and bronze accolades. It is not Patrick’s extensive collections of championships that set him apart for this recognition, but his utmost perseverance and commitment to leading athletes in the province. Patrick’s volunteered his time and dedication on more than one occasion off the court, serving as Regina Volleyball Club’s program coordinator, coach developer, and hosting pre-season competition camps in Regina, Wadena, Englefeld, and Humboldt, Saskatchewan. Patrick has also been on the host committee for USPORTS and Volleyball Canada Youth nationals in Regina, Saskatoon, and Edmonton. Patrick won a silver medal at the Sask Summer Games for men’s volleyball. Most recently, Patrick was the head coach for The King’s University Eagles in Edmonton, Alberta (Alberta Colleges), for three years, taking the team farther than they have placed in over 11 years and ranked top 10 in Canada. While in this job, Patrick scholar-shipped many athletes from Saskatchewan to play within the team, including Regina and Meadow Lake. Here, he coached an athlete from Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, to win the Rookie of the Year Award for Alberta Colleges and, later, Athlete of the Year for Alberta Colleges. While there, he also taught Intro to Volleyball and several other Kinesiology courses at the University. He has returned and been back in the province for two years, where he has helped with school volleyball in Wakaw and LeRoy. Patrick is also a certified volleyball official within the province. Patrick is a principal and a board member for Inclusion Saskatchewan and is helping coach/support four teams within the Horizon School Division. He is also a current board member for the Saskatoon Amateur Volleyball Association.
How have the coach’s teams or athletes demonstrated improvement? Please provide specific examples.
Patrick’s effectiveness as a leader for our province is incredible. His intersectional approach ensures that each athlete and student is treated as an individual with unique needs to be met. Patrick’s commitment to strengths-based approaches and mental wellness has made a difference for all, including one student-athlete who shared, “I had come to Coach Winand to find a solution to be more confident in my sport. He heard me and listened to what I had to say, and I appreciate him greatly for that… He made me comfortable and listened to me. I have never fully felt like that before.” Patrick prioritizes the mental health/well-being of his athletes and coaching staff. It has been that concrete morals and ethical practice govern his coaching/education philosophy. He is an incredible role model for anyone he works with, any age. For years, Patrick has advocated for athletes in the province, always looking to help on the developmental side and spending countless hours helping student-athletes obtain scholarships and be recruited to play post-secondary after high school. He defines community spirit, which does not matter in what role (coach, manager, board member). Patrick always gives back to the community. For the last 13 years, Patrick has not stopped demonstrating courage, determination, preservice and an unwavering spirit through sport, always putting athletes first. Patrick is very deserving if Sask Sport is looking for a leader who has demonstrated an unwavering spirit and commitment to sport in Saskatchewan. Patrick has made significant sacrifices for the betterment of sports and volleyball athletes in Saskatchewan. Coach Winand has dedicated countless hours to coaching and developing young athletes and coaches in volleyball. He spent over a decade of evenings and weekends at home planning, training, and competing, providing individualized instruction and leading teams to success. He has sacrificed his time and, at times, prioritized others’ mental health over his own, ensuring coaches and athletes have the support and resources they need to succeed. He often puts his personal and family commitments on hold to be there for his athletes. Patrick’s commitment to his sport is inspiring and has profoundly impacted the development of the sport in Saskatchewan. His relentless dedication to students and athletes in the province is remarkable. Regardless of his challenges over the years, he has never given up and never let his athletes give up. This showed countless times when he worked with smaller rural centers in the province to give those athletes similar opportunities as those in urban areas. Over the years, Patrick has grown as a coach and a leader/mentor in Saskatchewan, inspiring athletes and coaches across the province. As a coach, he has constantly sought new strategies to improve his fundamental skills and help his athletes and students reach their full potential. He attended coaching seminars, read extensively, and sought experienced coaches’ feedback to develop his expertise continually. Lorne Lasuita, Dennis Pomeroy (rest in peace) and Myron Mehler were three provincial leaders who helped shape Patrick into the leader he is today. Patrick has taken on many leadership roles in the provincial community, volunteering his time to organize workshops and competitions to promote the sport’s growth. He continues to share his knowledge and experiences with other coaches, selflessly offering guidance and support to help them become better mentors. Patrick has become influential in inspiring and uplifting the sports community through his willingness to share his expertise. Coach Patrick goes beyond his coaching duties, always listening to his athletes’ concerns, providing guidance, and offering support. His belief in the power of sports as a tool for personal growth and development shines through in his coaching style. Coach Patrick consistently inspires anyone he is working with to never settle for mediocrity and to strive for excellence constantly. His personality and spirit are contagious, fueling the motivation and determination of his athletes as they face challenges on and off the court. Patrick’s dynamic journey in sport reminds us that twists and turns are not the end but opportunities to grow and return stronger. Patrick has become a role model in his sport and the broader community, inspiring others to believe in themselves, embrace challenges, and chase their dreams. You certainly do not need too big of a crowd for someone to know his name. He has a vision regarding coaching ethics, including respect, responsibility, integrity and honoring sports.
Nominee Supporting Documents
Please include up to three reference letters from athletes, fellow coaches or others who can share specific examples of how the coach helped the all-around development of an athlete, as well as honoured the Coaching Code of Ethics including Responsible Coaching.
