Cornwall, ON—Chris King, head coach of the Lakeland Rustlers Women’s Basketball team, has been named the recipient of the Coaching Excellence Award by the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). This prestigious award recognizes King's outstanding coaching contributions to sport and athlete development over 16 seasons.
The Coaching Excellence Award, bestowed by the CCAA acknowledges coaches who have significantly impacted their teams and athletes over five or more years.
Under King's leadership, the Lakeland Rustlers women’s basketball program has flourished, boasting an impressive record of achievements. Over the past four competitive seasons, King has guided the team to three ACAC Championship Gold medals and two CCAA medals. Notably, in the 2023 – 24 season, the Rustlers achieved perfection, securing a flawless 20 – 0 record in the regular season, 3 – 0 in the ACAC playoffs, and a perfect 3 – 0 at the national championships. This remarkable feat marks them as one of only two ACAC women’s basketball teams in history to achieve a perfect season and win a national title.
Alan Rogan, Lakeland’s athletic director, commended King for his dedication to the sport and his student-athletes. He noted, " Coach King has done a great job building a strong foundation for our women’s basketball program to build off. The program has created some strong teams but more importantly quality student athletes who will go on to contribute to society. "
King's influence extends beyond the basketball court. He has coached U-18 and U-16 boys' teams locally and is currently coaching a U-16 girls’ team from Saskatchewan who just returned from competing in Spain. Additionally, he oversees the Rustlers Youth Basketball program in Lloydminster, focusing on skill development for children from kindergarten to grade 7. During the summer months, he coordinates the Rustlers Club Basketball program and multiple basketball camps in the community.
“Our committee was unanimous in our selection of Chris King from Lakeland College as the recipient of the 2023/24 CCAA Coaching Excellence Award. Not only did Chris lead his Rustlers to a national title and go undefeated in league, playoff, and national championship competition, we believe Chris embodies coaching excellence in his approach to developing his student-athletes, the game of basketball, and collegiate sport in his community," said Albert Roach CCAA Awards Committee member.
Furthermore, King is committed to developing future coaches. King took part in the Female Apprentice Coach Program as a Mentor, and currently has two past athletes serving as assistant coaches, nurturing their potential for coaching excellence.
In addition to his coaching responsibilities, King is deeply involved in his players' academic and personal development. The team achieved a collective GPA of 3.11 in the first semester, reflecting King's emphasis on holistic growth. He ensures that his players feel valued within the program and aims to instill life lessons beyond the basketball court.
King’s dedication to the sport extends to his involvement in various basketball initiatives throughout the year. From coaching youth teams to running local basketball development programs, he consistently strives to grow the game in Lloydminster and across Alberta and Saskatchewan.
As a recipient of the Coaching Excellence Award, Chris King exemplifies the values of leadership, mentorship, and dedication to athlete development in Canadian collegiate athletics.
The CCAA works in partnership with the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) and recipients of the CCAA Coaching Excellence Award receive a one-year complimentary coach license through the CAC Professional Coaching program.
“We are proud of our ongoing and long-term partnership with the CCAA and we congratulate Coach King for receiving this prestigious Coaching Excellence Award. His ongoing commitment to athletes to achieve their athletic and academic goals, and ultimately be successful in their lives beyond basketball, exemplifies his leadership and dedication to a positive sport experience.” – Isabelle Cayer, Director of Sport Safety, Coaching Association of Canada.
