Beate Shannon of the University King’s College Blue Devils has been named the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Women’s Volleyball Coach of the Year.

Shannon was honoured during the 2024 CCAA Women’s Volleyball National Championship, hosted by Red Deer Polytechnic in Red Deer, AB.

Under Shannon’s leadership, the team attained an exceptional 17:1 overall record, reaching the highest finish in program history. Shannon spearheaded improvement in all aspects of the game, from enhancing positional skills, depth, organization, and communication to successful fundraising efforts and propelling the team from a lower-middle pack status to a leading program.

  “Shannon continues to push herself and her team towards success, resulting in the highest finish in program history this season” said CCAA women’s volleyball convenor, Beth Clark. “She takes a holistic approach to student athletes well being, shows deep passion for the game and the volleyball community and culture she leads.” 

Shannon has cultivated an impressive record in her three seasons with King’s, producing six ACAA Conference All-Stars, two ACAA Rookie of the Year winners, and one ACAA Player of the Year winner. This starkly contrasts with the program’s previous history, which had only yielded two ACAA Conference All-Stars and one ACAA Rookie of the Year over its entire existence.

Dedicated to fostering a holistic student-athlete experience, Shannon prioritizes academic success and supports players in managing schoolwork. Under her leadership, a familial atmosphere thrives, offering support in volleyball, academics, and personal aspects. Going beyond the sidelines, Shannon’s commitment includes providing pre-game meals and transportation, cultivating unity even in the off-season. This approach has transformed the program, creating a tight-knit team under Shannon’s meticulous accountability.

“Shannon's commitment to excellence in volleyball can only be paralleled by her commitment to her players. In her three years as Head Coach, Beate has pushed the boundaries of the Women’s Volleyball Program in nearly every dimension, demonstrated clearly by the roster’s tremendous performance this season and the awards her players earned within the ACAA. The culture she has helped cultivate within the program prioritize accountability, dedication, team support, where all players know they are supported not only as players, but also as people. Beate has that invaluable quality as a leader and individual that makes those around her strive to work harder to meet the standard she sets as a professional. Her involvement as a coach at King’s has helped drive not only the Women’s Volleyball team forward, but the entire varsity program.” said James Wise, UKC Varsity Administrator

Shannon, recognizing the significance of her role, served as a mentor in the CCAA Female Apprentice Coach Program in the 2021-22 and the 2022-23 seasons. Drawing upon her extensive experience, she actively guided an aspiring female coach.

Other nominees for the CCAA Women’s Volleyball Coach of the Year award were Jeff Ross, Douglas College, Steve Enright, University of Alberta Augustana, Kyle Guenther, Providence University College, Julie-Ann Milling, St. Clair College and Louis-Michel Bergeron, Cégep Édouard-Montpetit.

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

Kyle Guenther
Providence Pilots
MCAC