18 coaches selected as part of 2024 U SPORTS Female Apprentice Coach Program

Eighteen participants from across the country have been selected for the 2024 U SPORTS Female Apprentice Coach Program, funded through Sport Canada.

Originally launched in the 2020-2021 school season, the U SPORTS Female Apprentice Coach Program aims to increase the number of females in coaching positions across Canadian universities. The Program matches apprentice coaches who have recently graduated, with a head coach in one of 12 U SPORTS-sanctioned sports for female-identifying student-athletes.

A total of 28 applications were received for the 2024-25 edition of the program, with 18 apprentice coaches selected for the fourth iteration. Nine of the 12 sports are represented – including volleyball, basketball, hockey, swimming, track & field, soccer, rugby, field hockey and wrestling– as well as all four U SPORTS conferences.

All participants in the program will be a member of the coaching staff at their respective schools and where possible, will provide feedback to colleagues as well as student-athletes, while taking part in team activities. Each apprentice coach also has the opportunity to also take professional development courses and seminars in the field of coaching - a minimum of 20 per cent of the allotted grant must be earmarked for professional development activities. 

Selected participants for the 2024-2025 season