A total of 13 first-year aspiring female coaches will participate in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association’s (CCAA) Female Apprentice Coach Program (FACP) during the 2023-24 season.
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 opportunities to share in the coaching experience in the CCAA.
Leading the way is CCAA Soccer, which will feature five apprentices this year. Two of those apprentices are participating in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC).
At Lethbridge College, Kayla Blacquiere will be mentored by John D’Agnone with the Kodiaks.
After being named ACAC Rookie of the Year with the Red Deer Queens, Blacquiere transferred to Lethbridge University, where she’d spend the next four seasons with the Pronghorns. Now, Blacquiere believes she is well-suited to embark on a coaching career.
“My ultimate aspiration is to become a head coach for a Women’s Soccer team in the ACAC,” said Blacquiere. “I believe that participating in this program will provide me with the necessary guidance to turn my dream into a reality.”
At Lethbridge, she had the opportunity to work under three different bench bosses, which exposed her to a variety of coaching styles. This experience enriched her understanding of effective leadership and provided valuable insights into the dynamics of team management.
Now, Blacquiere is eager to enhance her knowledge of drill progression, tactical game strategies, and the art of adapting formations based on specific game situations.
“As a natural leader who has consistently played a pivotal role on every team I have been a part of, I am confident that my leadership skills and passion for the sport make me well-suited for a coaching role,” she said. “I am committed to creating a positive and supportive environment where athletes can thrive and reach their full potential.”
Blacquiere’s combination of natural leadership abilities, interpersonal skills and an unmatched understanding of team makes her the ideal selection for this apprenticeship, according to Todd Caughlin, Athletics & Recreation Services Director at Lethbridge College.
“Kayla is maturing into one of the most natural leaders in sport that I have had the privilege to work with,” he said. “The FACP looks for strong female leaders that want to give back to the sport they love and by doing it in the most professional way – Kayla will accomplish this with no questions asked.”
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The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) enriches the academic experiences of student-athletes by providing leadership, programs and services that foster development through high-level competitive opportunities in intercollegiate sport.
Media Contact:
Rodney Wilson / rodney@ccaa.ca
Manager, Communications & Events
