• September 17, 2016

The Ontario Coaching Excellence Awards celebrates the dedication and commitment of Ontario’s great coaches. The Awards recognize the importance of leadership, performance and the value of human insight which are all integral to great coaching.

Congratulations to the winners of the 2016 Ontario Coaching Excellence Awards:

Grassroots Coach

Colleen Rasmussen-Taylor

Synchronized Swimming ● Toronto, ON

“I am confident our daughters will become synchro coaches to young athletes and this is because of the role model and leader Victoria has been.” – Parent

Grassroots Coach

David Currie

Hockey ● Sarnia, ON

“I plan to be involved in hockey in some way and if I end up coaching my own kids, I know this is the kind of coach I will be.”  – Athlete

School Sport Coach

Jo-Ann Dexter

School Sports ● Cornwall, ON

“Jo-Anne is truly passionate about high school sports and ensure that every single athlete at our school receives the best experience through sport.”  – Co-worker

School Sport Coach

Ken McDonald

School Sports ● Toronto, ON

“Ken is deserved of being acknowledged as a coach of ‘excellence’ because of his selfless attitude and dedication to the hundreds of young lives he has touched.” –  Parent

Good to Great Coach

Laura McPhie

Swimming ● Guelph, ON

“Laura clearly defines what it takes to mentor, inspire, and coach youth. She helps make these kids see beyond the black line at the bottom of the pool.”   – Parent

Good to Great Coach

Terry Radchenko & Ross Ristuccia

Athletics ● Toronto, ON

“A good coach trains the athlete. A great coach trains the person. A good change in your athletic career. A great coach changes your life. I know what it is like to work with a great coach…” – Athlete

Everyone Matters Coach

Craig Blackman

Athletics ● Toronto, ON

“He played a big part in helping me reach my goal so that I could represent Canada. It wouldn’t have happened without his openness and commitment to integration for athletes with a disability.” –  Athlete

Aboriginal Coach Impact

Kevin Sandy

Lacrosse ● Ohsweken, ON

“I’ve witnessed Kevin prove that lacrosse is more than winning; instead it about brings people and families closer together to encourage children and players of all ages to play their best and have fun.” –  Parent

Trailblazer Coach

Graeme Williams

Squash ● Windsor, ON

“He has a unique ability to make the game fun and genuinely cares about their development as players, but more importantly as people.” – Parent

Andy Higgins Lifetime Achievement

Casey Curtis

Tennis ● Markham, ON

“As a coach that values sportsmanship as well as technical skill, he has provided all of his players the tools to be successful on and off the tennis court.” – Parent

The CAO congratulates all of the award winners and coaches across Ontario for their commitment and dedication to ensuring Canadians live an active and healthy lifestyle. For more information on the Ontario Coaching Excellence Awards and nominating a coach in the future, visit   www.coachesontario.ca/events/awards.