News Release

2011-2012 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association Female Apprentice Coach Program Participants

Thursday, 15 September 2011 13:50

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 20 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:

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.