Roche has served the Holland College athletic department in Charlottetown, P.E.I. since 2004.
The CCAA Athletic Director of the Year award is bestowed upon administrators making significant contributions within their college or community. Roche’s dedication to the student-athlete experience at Holland College and the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) is evidenced by his presence at almost every game, tournament, recruitment camp and fundraising event.
“Albert Roche is a game changer,” says Sandra Murray-MacDonell, CCAA executive director. “He pushes the limits to develop, improve and excel in all the roles and capacities he champions. All organizations need individuals like Albert to bring energy and dedication to the table.”
The 2012-13 CCAA national championship season saw Roche serve as national golf convenor at the 2012 PING CCAA Golf National Championships and host chair of the 2012 CCAA Women’s Soccer National Championship.
Meanwhile the Holland Hurricanes contended at a very competitive level, earning CCAA national championship medals in women’s golf and men’s basketball, as well as five ACAA conference medals in men’s golf, soccer and basketball and women’s golf and soccer.
The Holland Hurricanes were also recognized by the CCAA with three athletes of the week, three athletes of the month, three team all-stars, five CCAA All-Canadians, three CCAA Academic All Canadians, and the men’s soccer coach of the year. At the ACAA conference level, the Hurricanes had 18 team all-stars, seven golf all-stars, the men’s basketball rookie of the year, and the men’s and women’s soccer coaches of the year.
Roche also recognizes the academic success of his student-athletes, and was instrumental in establishing the Hurricanes Scholar Athlete Award, presented to student-athletes who maintain an academic standing of at least 80% over a full year of studies.
“Albert has a rare sense of what it takes to build champions and a professional atmosphere, which is founded on successful teams and quality hosting at both the regional and national level,” says Neil Hooper, president of the ACAA. “The ACAA is very proud of Holland College, and Albert's strong leadership and dedication has raised the profile of the ACAA exponentially.”
The CCAA Athletic Director of the Year award was presented at the CCAA's annual general meeting in Montreal, QC on Thursday, June 13, 2013.
