Coaching History
Denise began coaching in the 1980s while still competing. After retiring from international competition in 1991, she continued to coach a local women’s team and several individual athletes. In 1997, she became part of the Team Ontario staff for the Canada Summer Games and has never looked back. After serving as head coach of Team Ontario for the 2001 and 2005 Canada Summer Games, her passion for coaching grew. She continued to work on her coach education through the National Coaching Certification Program while coaching athletes to reach their best. In 2007, she was hired as a full-time coach with the Ontario Cycling Association, with assistance from Ontario’s Quest for Gold lottery, with the goal of leading Team Ontario to best-ever results at the 2009 Canada Summer Games. Denise was named the National Women’s Team’s Endurance Development coach by the Canadian Cycling Association in April 2010.
Athletic History
A former member of the national cycling team, Denise competed on the road for eight years, from 1984 to 1991. Career highlights include several top-three finishes in World Cup races, being twice named Ontario Female Athlete of the Year, winning a national championship in 1991, and taking the bronze medal at the Pan American Games, also in 1991. Denise competed in such prestigious events as the Tour de France and Commonwealth Games and made four world championship appearances.
Hometown
Toronto, Ont.
Education
Denise, who speaks English and French, is a 2005 graduate of the National Coaching Institute-Ontario. In 1982, she graduated from the National Outdoor Leadership School in Wyoming and in 1984 passed the Ontario Real Estate Board examinations to qualify as a sales representative.
Quick Facts
Greatest achievements: Racing the Tour de France and being able to share that and other international experiences when I coach the current crop of athletes at all levels.
Source of motivation: My passion for cycling, my desire to see athletes succeed, and the support of my entire immediate family.