CCAA Badminton Coach of the Year

Courtesy of the CCAA

Janice Walker of the VIU Mariners has been named the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association Badminton Coach of the Year.

She received the award this evening at the 2016 CCAA Badminton National Championships banquet, hosted by Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo, BC.

“Janice has built a strong, well-respected team at VIU that has become a perennial contender at the CCAA National Championships,” said David Munro, CCAA VP Sport Development.

“She has the gift of developing and getting the best out of every player and making players feel at home at VIU.”

Under Walker’s guidance, Graydon Robb (Men’s Singles) and Melissa Liew (Women’s Singles) captured PACWEST Championship titles this season and qualify for the National Championships.

Walker has been successful in training a team at VIU that ranges from national level student-athletes to beginners. She also organizes a local high school league, in which Mariners assist as coaches.

“She cares about her players and mentors them to give back to the community,” said Munro. “Janice is a very worthy recipient of this award.”

In addition to serving as the PACWEST Convenor once again this season, Walker was on the Host Committee for this year’s National Championships.

CCAA Coach of the Year winners receive a customized ring provided by Jostens Canada, the Official Ring Supplier of the CCAA Championship Awards Banquet.