Michael Chmielewski of the Dynamiques de Brébeuf has been named the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year.
He received the award this evening at the 2018 CCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship banquet, hosted by Collège Montmorency in Laval, QC.
“In just three short years at the Division I level in Quebec, Mike has developed a program that has risen to the top of the conference and CCAA and gained the respect of his peers,” said Jeff Harris, CCAA Men’s Basketball Convenor.
Chmielewski led the Dynamques to a 14-2 record and first-place finish in the Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (RSEQ). Jean-de-Brébeuf came to within a basket of knocking off the defending CCAA champion Nomades de Montmorency in the RSEQ Championship final, a 78-77 loss.
With nine players returning to Brébeuf as second- and third-year players, the team was much more consistent this season. Chmielewski’s squad will represent the RSEQ this week at CCAA Nationals.
Chmielewski is a development advisor for “Pour 3 points”, an organization that helps youths with academic difficulties in disadvantaged areas. The invaluable support from life coaches at “Pour 3 points” helps children gain the skills needed to succeed in school and in life.
He is also in constant communication with Danielle Nadon, Athletic Director at Jean-de-Brébeuf, to ensure the academic development of his student-athletes.
“He always sees the positive side of teaching and training with the athlete,” said Nadon. “His players are learning to share and develop a work ethic and respect towards teammates, coaches, opponents and officials.”
CCAA Coach of the Year winners receive a customized ring provided by Jostens Canada, the Official Ring Supplier of the CCAA Championship Awards Banquet.
OTHER NOMINEES
Matt
|
Reagan
|
Jamie
|
Josh
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|||
|
VIU Mariners |
Concordia Thunder |
Redeemer Royals |
Holland Hurricanes |
|||
|
Kuzminski guided the Mariners to a 17-1 record and first-place finish in the PACWEST. VIU improved on its 16-2 record from a year ago, despite losing seven players. Kuzminski, CCAA Coach of the Year in 2015, ensures his student-athletes understand the value of hard work, persistence and compassion, while being present in the moment. Kuzminski is involved in the organization of camps and youth programs and coaches a Grade 7 team at Ladysmith Intermediate. |
Wood led the Thunder to the top of the ACAC North Division standings with a 19-5 record. Concordia set a new school record for scoring and led the conference in shooting percentage. Wood aims to develop young men into sound decision makers through the game of basketball. He works for the Alberta Basketball Association as the director of coach education, organizing and planning NCCP activities in the province. Wood also mentors young coaches in Edmonton. |
Girolametto guided the Royals to a 19-1 record and first-place finish in the OCAA West Division. Redeemer, a .500 team a year ago, improved in almost every aspect this season. Girolametto’s squad is more disciplined on defense, works harder off the court, and is closer knit than ever before. The Royals can continuously apply pressure, breaking down their opponent, and transitioning back down the court to score. |
Whitty led the Hurricanes to the top of the ACAA standings with a 20-1 record. Holland improved its defence this season while producing a potent offense with a variety of contributors. Whitty is a skilled recruiter who shapes a nationally competitive team year after year. He seeks to balance team success with the growth and maturity of his players along with their academic success. Whitty has developed into a leader in the basketball community of PEI. |