Wayne Yearwood of Dawson College has been named the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year.

Yearwood was honoured during the 2024 CCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship, hosted by Mount Allison in Sackville, NB.

Yearwood’s passion for basketball ignited at the tender age of 5, and his journey in the sport has been remarkable, from earning the prestigious title of CCAA All-Canadian as a Student-Athlete in 1982-83 to showcasing his skills in NCAA D1 for West Virginia University. His professional career overseas and participation in the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympic Games underscore his remarkable athletic career. Yearwood’s versatility extended beyond the basketball court, as the Calgary Stampeders drafted him in the 2nd round of the 1988 CFL Draft. 

Following his impressive playing career, Yearwood transitioned seamlessly into coaching, driven by a desire to give back to the basketball community. His current focus revolves around nurturing young talent, aiming to guide and shape the next generation of athletes, as he believes basketball provides a platform to instill invaluable life lessons. 

Jonathan Lambert, CCAA Men’s Basketball Convenor said, “I am proud to congratulate Wayne Yearwood on being named the 2024 CCAA Coach of the Year. Wayne’s exceptional leadership, strategic prowess, and dedication to fostering athletic excellence and personal growth among his players at Dawson College exemplify the highest standards of coaching in collegiate basketball in our country. This prestigious accolade is a testament to Wayne’s unwavering commitment to his team’s success and his profound impact on the lives of student-athletes. Under his guidance, Dawson College has risen to consistent success both in the RSEQ and at the CCAA National Championships over the past few years, showcasing the transformative power of sportsmanship, teamwork, and mentorship. His achievements serve as an inspiration to coaches across the nation, embodying the essence of the CCAA Coach of the Year award.”

The Dawson College Blues, last year's CCAA Men’s National Basketball Championship silver medalists, concluded this season without qualifying for the CCAA Men’s National Basketball Championship, earning the silver at the RSEQ Championship. Despite falling short of the national stage, the team maintained a strong position throughout the season with an impressive 20-2 record, highlighting their consistent competitiveness and ongoing impact in their conference, a true reflection of Yearwood's hard work.

“Wayne is one of the hardest working people I know, and he’s been doing so for 20+ years. The success that we have been enjoying in recent years is the result of all the hard work that the coaching staff, led by Wayne, in recruiting and developing young men and basketball players and helping them in their academic achievement towards getting their diplomas and moving on to the next level of their life”. Said Sebastien Rivest, Manager Student Services & Athletics.

The CCAA Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year recipient receives a customized ring provided by Jostens Canada, the Official Ring Supplier of the CCAA.

Other nominees for the CCAA Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year award

Omar Miles
Humber Hawks
OCAA