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 the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), Jessica Whyte will be mentored by John Talerico with the Trojans.
“Jess is an excellent coach and an even better mentor for our female student-athletes,” said Lauren Kucera, Manager, Athletics & Recreation at SAIT. “I believe she will represent this program in a very positive light.”
Whyte competed at the ACAC level in Women’s Soccer for four seasons before suffering an ACL tear in her final year. She has great knowledge of the league and what it takes to be a successful student-athlete at this level.
“I understand the balancing of academics and soccer, and how to manage many of the distractions and believe that I can provide a type of mentorship that is unique to my role,” said Whyte.
She has already gained coaching experience having spent the last six seasons working at the McKenzie United Soccer Club in Calgary as the Girls Director.
“During this time, I have been able to work with girls, just getting a first taste of the sport and girls who love the game and are playing at their highest level,” she said. “I am passionate about instilling confidence and having girls play sport as I believe it.”
Whyte will work closely with Talerico, who has more than 30 years of coaching experience. The duo is already quite familiar with one and other having worked together the last four seasons at the club level.
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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
