In response to the University of Toronto 2013 Gender Equity Report, the Coaching Association of Canada’s Women in Coaching program has targeted the development of female coaches in University sport. Currently, only 17% of head coaches and 24% of assistant coaches are female in University varsity sport.
In 2015, the CAC piloted a University Female Coach Mentorship Program with three Canadian Interuniversity Sport Universities (USport) aimed at increasing the pool of female coaches in the Canadian University system. As a result of the program, within one year, the number of female assistant coaches in the program increased from three to 13. The program has expanded to include additional universities across Canada. The Canadian Journal for Women in Coaching published an issue describing this mentorship program.
The CAC continues to support the increased recruitment and retention of female coaches through financial and human resource support, and building strategic partnerships with Universities with similar objectives. Grants of up to $5,000 per year are available to U Sports Universities that provide a matching grant to support the coach on a one-year or two-year term.
Submit your expression of interest here or contact Isabelle Cayer, Director, Sport Safety at icayer@coach.ca for more information.
Participants, 2019-2020
- Vanessa Chorkawy, Acadia University, Volleyball
- Hannah Bennison, University of British Columbia, Cross Country, Track & Field
- Mikayla Tinkham, University of British Columbia, Cross Country, Track & Field
- Sierra Moores, University of British Columbia, Swimming
- Keri Moffat, University of British Columbia, Golf
- Melanie Judges, Carleton University, Rugby
- Jodi Langley, St. Francis Xavier University, Track & Field
- Sarah Beairsto, St. Thomas University, Cross Country, Track & Field
- Sarah Hickman, St. Thomas University, Cross Country, Track & Field
- Genevieve David, St. Thomas University, Hockey
- Ashlyn Somers, University of PEI, Hockey
- Kelsey Wilson, McGill University, Soccer
- Astrid Baecker, University of Regina, Soccer
- Stephanie Poirier, Universite de Montreal, Hockey
Participants, 2018-2019
- Megan Reid, University of Guelph, Basketball
- Alyssa Cecere, McGill University, Hockey
- Jennifer Boyd, University of Ottawa, Rugby
Target Audience
- Retiring athletes transitioning to assistant, apprentice, or mentee coach positions
- Current female assistant coaches
- Head Coach / Mentor Coach
Outcomes
- Advance women in coaching and through athlete to coach transition and retention
- Increase the number of females coaching in university sport
- Increase the number of female role models/leaders
- Provide support to the mentor coach through training
- Possibility of participating in the CAC - OTP – Coach Enhancement Program
- Other as identified by the University
Overview
- Develop an MOU
- Mentor coach and apprentice coach to develop a PD plan
- Access to NCCP Mentorship Module
- Promotion of the program through the university’s communication channels
- Submission of a report to CAC
