National Coaches Week is September 17-25. An initiative of the Coaches Association of Canada and the Provincial and Territorial coaching organizations, this week celebrates the tremendous positive impact coaches have on athletes and communities across Canada. This week is an opportunity to recognize coaches for the integral role they play by simply saying #ThanksCoach.
The BC Games are part of BC’s athlete development pathway, but also provide an important opportunity for coaching development. Organizations like Volleyball BC have seen the progression and success of their coaches through these programs.
In honour of National Coaches Week, we are profiling some of our outstanding coaches who took part in the coach mentorship program in 2016. This program pairs apprentice and mentor coaches for unique hands-on experience and training at the BC Winter and BC Summer Games.
Kayla Grimard, Volleyball Apprentice Coach (Chilliwack)
1. Why did you choose to get into coaching?
I chose to get into coaching because of the opportunity to touch lives and make a difference. I want to help in bringing up athletes of good character who become great role models and beautiful leaders.
2. What is your favorite thing about coaching?
My favourite thing about coaching is being able to really connect with the girls on a deep level and form friendships. Also seeing them become incredible athletes and being able to use the talents they have been given.
A recent team building exercise Kayla used to identify talents.
3. Do you have a particular coaching style?
My coaching style is to have a lot of open communication with my athletes and always trying to give them feedback and help them out.
4. What multisport Games have you attended?
2016 BC Summer Games
5. What was your favorite memory from coaching at the BC Games?
My favorite was the journey with the girls and in the end experiencing the joy of a bronze medal together.
6. What did you learn from being involved in the coach mentor/apprentice program?
I learned way more than I can possibly explain. I learned how to seek advice from more knowledgeable coaches, how to work with different types of players, and most of all thinking outside the box instead of just the normal.
7. What has been your best success in coaching?
Winning a silver medal at Fraser Valleys and a bronze medal at the BC Summer Games.
8. What are your next goals as a coach?
My next goal is to become fully certified as a coach and to just continue helping one athlete at a time learn to love the game as much as I do.
Photo Above: Kayla (front row, far right) and her bronze medal winning Fraser Valley team at the 2016 BC Summer Games.
Photo Below: Kayla and her team celebrate the bronze medal win
