Carole Holt of the NAIT Ooks is the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Women’s Soccer Coach of the Year.
She received the award this evening during the CCAA All-Canadian Banquet at the 2018 CCAA Women’s Soccer National Championship, hosted by Douglas College in Coquitlam, BC.
“Carole is one of the most consistent coaches in the CCAA and she has built a great program at NAIT,” said Marlene Ford, CCAA Women’s Soccer Convenor. “Carole is very deserving of this award for her knowledge and passion for the game.”
Holt guided the Ooks to a perfect 10-0 record and first-place finish in the ACAC North Division. NAIT outscored its opponents 59-3 in the regular season.
This week, NAIT will participate at CCAA Nationals for the ninth consecutive season. With four silver medals and a bronze medal over that time, Holt’s sole goal is CCAA gold.
As an on-campus coach at NAIT, Holt is constantly assisting her student-athletes in their academic endeavors. Last season, her team had an average GPA of 3.3. The Ooks are also front and centre with community service events, including those that support KidSport.
Holt is a member of the ACAC soccer sport management team and coaches girls soccer with the Edmonton Scottish United Soccer Club. She holds a National B License Award with the Canadian Soccer Association and has been involved with the sport both as a coach and player in Alberta, Ontario and England for more than 25 years.
CCAA Coach of the Year winners receive a customized ring provided by Jostens Canada, the Official Ring Supplier of the CCAA National Championship Awards Banquet.
OTHER NOMINEES
Kevin
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Alex
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Krzysztof
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Michelle
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VIU Mariners |
Durham Lords |
Champlain Cavaliers |
St. Thomas Tommies |
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Lindo led the Mariners to a 5-2-5 record and first-place finish in the PACWEST. After a two-win season a year ago, VIU saw improved levels of fitness and the ability to keep possession with a goal scoring threat this season. Every week, his players would also complete tasks together regarding the upcoming opposition – a collective learning experience which was a crucial part of their progression. Lindo is also the Island head coach for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC and a Learning Facilitator for BC Soccer and the National Coach Certification Program (NCCP). |
Bianchi guided Durham to a 9-2-1 record and second-place finish in the OCAA East Division. The Lords, who were nationally ranked for the first time in nine years, had more team cohesiveness this season, beginning with early team bonding in exhibition play. Fitness and physicality also improved, giving the team added stamina to go the full 90 minutes. Bianchi, who also runs the Indoor Women’s Soccer program at Durham, arranges team bonding exercises and raises funds for Special Olympics. He also works in conjunction with the Pickering Women’s Progress Club. |
Kmiecik led the Cavaliers to a 7-2-1 record and second-place finish in the RSEQ. His goal is to establish a family atmosphere while instilling values of respect, honesty and dedication with a team-first attitude. Kmiecik is constantly ensuring his players are in good academic standing and meeting off-season goals. His student-athletes are also learning the value of helping, leadership and mentorship by volunteering in the community. Kmiecik is the Director of Concordia Athletics Sports Camps and an advisor with the Anjou Soccer club. |
DeCourcey guided the Tommies to a 10-0-2 record and first-place finish in the ACAA. With a more consistent and solid defensive line, and the addition of some offensive-minded rookies, it was a turnaround season for St. Thomas, which went 5-4-3 a year ago. DeCourcey aims to create an environment that gives student-athletes the best possible opportunity to reach individual and team goals by helping identify and support the process that will get them there. DeCourcey recently competed in the Senior Women’s Soccer Nationals. |