Austin Liaw of the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) Trojans has been named the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Badminton Coach of the Year.

Liaw was honoured at the 2024 CCAA Badminton National Championships, hosted by Seneca Polytechnic in King City, ON.

Andrew Harding, CCAA Badminton Convenor said, “It is always refreshing to see a new coach step in and instill both an energy and level of experience that brings out the best in everyone. As a level 3 coach, it is clear that Austin is committed to not only mentoring, but also learning, always important for the long-term success of any athletic program.” 

Liaw, a former two-time Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Men’s Doubles Champion, began his journey as a SAIT Badminton coach in 2021 as the Trojans re-entered the league as a badminton school. Since their return, he has successfully coached and led his teams to represent ACAC at the National level every year. The Trojans led ACAC all season, winning every tournament based on team scores, and were ranked number one going into the ACAC championships.

“Austin is a passionate, dedicated & technically strong coach that demands excellence from himself and his team. He brings a wealth of badminton experience and works extremely hard each and every day to help these young student-athletes be the best they can be. Austin emphasizes more than just technical prowess with his team, but works to teach the younger generation about respect, diligence and commitment. He not only wants his athletes to succeed on court but pushes them to be the best version of themselves in the classroom and on the streets,” says Lauren Kucera, SAIT Manager of Athletics and Recreation.

Not only is Liaw working with current SAIT student-athletes, but he has also founded a badminton club where they can identify recruits for the institution, showing a true dedication to the future of the sport. Within the Calgary and Alberta badminton community, Liaw is always on the lookout for tournaments and playing opportunities outside the ACAC for his student-athletes, giving them more matchups and further developing their skills.

Liaw’s team will have a strong presence at the CCAA National Badminton Championship this week in King City. Competing in Men’s Singles Eason Wong, Men’s Doubles, Jason Chiu and Paul Ouano and in Women’s Double Taylor Burton and Ziyu Kong.

Other nominees for the CCAA Badminton Coach of the Year award were Chloe Rowe of the Humber Hawks (Ontario Colleges Athletic Association) and Richard Bennicke of Mount Allison Mounties (Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association).

CCAA Coach of the Year winners receive a customized ring provided by Jostens Canada, the Official Ring Supplier of the CCAA.

CHLOE ROWE

RICHARD BENNICKE