CAO’s Empowering Stories from Behind the Bench article series – September 30, 2025
“I can see how a healthy living programs can have a positive effect – and I want them to see that I am a caring adult in their lives.”
By David Grossman
Terry McMahon is saving lives.
He works in a high school student environment – but is not a teacher, administrator or custodian.
Simply put, getting called into a room, spending time in a gym or at the local Friendship Centre with McMahon, could end up becoming the best day in the life of that individual.
What also becomes abundantly clear when talking with him is that his duties, responsibilities and objectives always remain the same.
McMahon is a coach – an Indigenous Graduation Coach. The official explanation is described as providing “culturally relevant mentorship, guidance, and support to self-identified First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students”.
Some see him as somewhat of a counsellor, an individual trained to listen to people and give them advice on how to deal with their issues and dilemmas He’s a sports coach, too. More on that later in this story.
The 44-year-old, who lives in Fort Frances – known for its beauty, culture and history – could very well be one of the most popular individuals in the Northwestern Ontario community. In many respects, he is helping teenagers deal with a multitude of problems and connecting them with support services.
Advising young people about the importance of academic success and a career – are also huge goals for him.
McMahon, seen by many as an influencer, a friend and offering up parental encouragement, also uses the world of sport – volleyball in particular – as a method of improving physical ability and strengthening life. For McMahon, he doesn’t have to stand on a pedestal to extoll his fortitude, integrity and standards.
“Building relationships, it’s rewarding work, has it’s tough aspects, but I love what I do,” said McMahon who, as a youngster had his own share of social issues and challenges before moving on to earn a college education.
“I grew up in Fort Frances, as a teenager had my own problems and struggles along with some close calls too, but (I) was able to turn my life around. Now, I do what I can to help others and put youth on a good path for life and break down any barriers they may face.”
McMahon has gained a wealth of experience in many jobs. With a fondness for outdoor life, he worked hard to earn a Parks and Forest Recreation Diploma from Fleming College. He spent time employed at summer camps, volunteered whenever opportunities were available, ran cooking classes, sports programs, personal physical development activities, and the list continues.
The Coaches Association of Ontario (CAO) highlights individuals for their time, talent and support in improving performance and increasing confidence of athletes. For “Truth and Reconciliation Day”, set for September 30 across Canada, the CAO selected McMahon to befeatured in its popular series called “Empowering Stories from Behind the Bench”.
McMahon is among the 15 recipients of an Ontario Coaching Excellence award given to highlight positive attitude, leadership, and strong commitment to sport.
Singled out as the CAO’s Trailblazer Award recipient, he was also the province’s sole apprentice coach in the 2025 Aboriginal Apprentice Coaching Program. A $500 prize from Hydro One Inc., and to be used on making purchases from Canadian businesses, was given to McMahon for his 807 Selects Volleyball Club. It is a community program that functions out of the local high school.
Working towards his National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) credentials, McMahon was a member of the staff that guided Ontario’s women’s volleyball squad to a gold medal at the 2025 Canada Games in St. John’s, Nfld. Something else about McMahon is that he is quite humble when talking about accolades and citations.
“I don’t go looking for awards, I guess someone noticed that I was doing a good job – outreach is my pride and joy,” he said. “I’ve helped lots of kids and been successful. Sport is a vessel to keep (teenagers) engaged. It instills a great deal of discipline, leadership, confidence and the much-needed skills in life.”
Talk with McMahon about playing and coaching his specialty sport – volleyball – and he’s adamant that it’s more than just a group of people gathering around a net with a ball.
“It’s inclusion, it’s community, a sense of family and belonging,” he said. “If nothing else, it’s an escape for a short period of time in a day from the harder things life may bring.”
McMahon says that he hopes people see his positive achievements, and ability to help, as one of a role model.
“There are situations with high-risk kids, behavioral issues, delinquency and others targeted by bad groups,” he said. “It took me until age 29 to turn my life around, when I became a strength and conditioning coach. I can see how a healthy living programs can have a positive effect – and I want them to see that I am a caring adult in their lives.”
-END-
David Grossman is a veteran multi award-winning Journalist and Broadcaster with some of Canada’s major media, including the Toronto Star and SPORTSNET 590 THE FAN, and a Public Relations professional for 45+ years in Canadian sports and Government relations.
*Photos courtesy of Justin James, Team Ontario
“Sport instills a great deal of discipline, leadership, confidence and the much needed skills in life.”
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