Deadline nearing for Niagara College coaching gig
Time is running out to apply for the head coaching position of Niagara College’s women’s basketball program.
The deadline for applications is April 6.
“We have had a great depth of coaching applicants so far and we are working to make sure we’ve left no stone unturned and get the message out that we are looking for the best coach,” Niagara athletic director Michele O’Keefe said.
O’Keefe says it is tough to define the best candidate for the position.
“We’re flexible. We want the best person who is ready to lead a group of young women who work really hard. I don’t care if they are new coaches or if they are retired coaches who are looking for something to do,” she said. “If they are young, we are looking for them to get fully qualified and get experience as they start their career and we will support them in every way we can. If they are older, we are looking for someone who has great experience and wants to contribute to the technical development of our program. We are also looking for a coach anywhere in between.”
Whoever takes the role will have plenty of help.
“We’re very proud of our coach supports. We know that we have great athlete supports but in order to make sure our athletes have the best experience here at Niagara College, our coaches have to be committed and we help them reach their potential.”
Circumstances have seen O’Keefe seeking her second new coach for the women’s program in the last eight months. Chris Rao left the job to become the interim head coach of Cape Breton University and Kimbal Mackenzie was the latest to leave after taking a full-time job as the brand and community ambassador for the Niagara River Lions.
“They both had full-time opportunities that I couldn’t compete with,” she said.
Once the application deadline passes, the college will review all the applicants and select a few for the first round of interviews. The second round of interviews will include further conversation and coming to the college to run a practice.
This past season under Mackenzie, Niagara recorded a program-best 14-2 regular season record before losing a close decision to the Fanshawe Falcons in a playoff elimination game. Last year under Rao, the Knights won their second Ontario Colleges Athletic Association bronze medal in three years.
To see the job posting, visit https://tre.tbe.taleo.net/tre01/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=NIAGARACOLLEGE&cws=38&rid=2583
