Lethbridge College Kodiaks Athletics Association will add two coaches to its roster for the 2013-14 season thanks to the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Female Apprentice Coach Program.
Brooke Heggie will join Lethbridge College Athletics Manager Avery Harrison on the bench of the women’s basketball team and Gladys Chumba Kochei will join Coach Bertil Johansson in cross country running.
Both Heggie (General Studies) and Kochei (Nursing) are former Lethbridge College students and Kodiaks athletes, and will provide mentorship to their aforementioned teams. The CCAA Female Apprentice Coach Program is funded by Sport Canada and targets female graduating student-athletes to participate in collegiate sport and train under mentor coaches.
“I’ve been coaching in the ACAC since 1983 and have thoroughly enjoyed watching players grow and mature, not only as athletes but as leaders with their team and in the community,” says Harrison. “Brooke comes from a basketball family and has great coaching potential. She will bring a great perspective to our team this year.”
Heggie says she has always been fascinated with coaching and wants to stay involved in the game now that she is sidelined with an ACL injury. “I want others to feel the passion I have for basketball, and feel the same serenity I do when I’m playing the game.”
A multiple inductee into the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame, Johansson has never had the opportunity to work with an aspiring female coach. “I am delighted to nurture Gladys’ existing coaching talent and provide her with all the skills and resources necessary for her to gain certification and coaching experience at the elite college level.”
Kochei spent five seasons running cross country for Lethbridge College, was team captain and won both ACAC and CCAA gold. “This will help me learn and improve on my communication and leadership skills on my career path as a registered nurse.”
The Kodiaks season begins in September.