Coach Chris
Hello, I am Coach Chris! I'm incredibly excited to share my journey with you. With over 20 years of playing experience, I've lived and breathed the game of basketball, from the highs of winning 3 National Championships to the lessons learned from 3 second-place finishes at Nationals. My passion for basketball led to a remarkable opportunity—an invitation to the Canadian Armed Forces CISM National Team basketball camp—where I honed my skills alongside some of the finest athletes in the country.
My Coaching Story
Transitioning to coaching, I've had the privilege of leading three provincial championship teams, with a couple of close second-place finishes. Each of these experiences has deeply shaped my coaching philosophy, aligning perfectly with the GROW model. I understand the importance of setting clear goals (Goal), acknowledging the reality of challenges (Reality), exploring all viable options (Options), and fostering the unwavering will to succeed (Will).
My Coaching Philosophy
My playing and coaching journey has given me the insight to not only develop strong athletes but also nurture well-rounded individuals with skills that extend beyond the court. My commitment to your growth goes beyond mere coaching. It's about mentoring you to be resilient, mentally tough, and skilled in teamwork, leadership, and character—attributes that not only elevate your athletic performance but also shape your life.
My Coaching Commitment
I'm here to guide you, drawing from my extensive experience and dedication to helping you reach new heights. Together, we'll reach into your untapped potential, set ambitious goals, conquer challenges, and ascend to greatness. I firmly believe in your potential to be a champion both on and off the court, and I'm committed to being your partner on this incredible journey.
My Professional Story
With over 14 years of experience in the Canadian Armed Forces, my diverse background and qualifications uniquely position me to guide young athletes to achieve their full potential, not just as players but as individuals poised for success in life.
My Qualifications
My journey has equipped me with a deep understanding of diverse cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives, as evidenced by my qualifications in various areas, including being Bilingual (French), a trained Victim's Rights and Summary Hearing Implementation advocate, a certified Positive Space Ambassador (LGBT), and having undergone Indigenous Cultural Awareness training.
Creating an Inclusive Environment
My commitment to fostering an inclusive environment is further reinforced by my General Ethics training, Hateful Conduct training, and understanding of Diversity and Employment Equity. I've been entrusted with roles such as General Safety Supervisor, ensuring a safe environment for everyone, and have honed my coaching skills through courses like Coaching for Excellence.
My Leadership
My ability to manage military personnel while caring for their mental health, as evidenced by my training in Mental Health Managers of Civilians, has taught me invaluable lessons in leadership, empathy, and resilience—qualities I'm eager to pass on to young athletes. By also being well-versed in Workplace Violence Prevention and even having an introduction to GBA+, I bring to the coaching arena a wealth of skills and experiences directly relatable to the civilian world.