
Calling all BC Athletes - Nominate your ACE Coach today!!! Through the ACE Coach Awards, BC Athletes have the opportunity to nominate and recognize the tremendous work their coaches do every day. This is your chance to say thank you and tell the rest of BC what makes your coach great. So nominate today - click here
Last year over 100 BC Athletes from over 30 communities from around the province nominated their Coach online for this special recognition which was highlighted during BC Coaches Week.
Below are just a handful of the ACE Coaches that were recognized from around the province in 2008...
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Tyler Lorenz is a Softball Coach in Lower Mainland and was nominated by Robert Byron and Kory Bell. This is what Tyler’s athletes had to say about their ACE Coach...
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"Tyler is great because he was able to create a team with spirit and unity. Tyler took the time to know each athletes strengths and weaknesses."
"Tyler has inspired me to teach the kids in my community the game and in turn tell them to give back the knowledge to at least one younger player. Tyler has paved the way for us to be great leaders."
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Dr. Anatoly Bondarchuk is a Track & Field - Throwing Events Coach in Kamloops and was nominated by Jennifer Joyce. This is what Anatoly’s athletes had to say about their ACE Coach...
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“Coach Bonderchuk is arguably the best throws coach in the world. He has earned this distinction through a lifetime of hard work."
“I know that through Coach Bonderchuk’s daily actions as a community leader, that we will all be able to better serve our community and country, now and when it is our turn to coach the Canadian youth.”
“Coach Bonderchuk works tirelessly for every athlete that he coaches, regardless of their athletic ability or achievements. He treats everyone like an Olympian every day. This attitude is infectious and is teaching all of his many athletes how to be better coaches, athletes, community leaders and great people.”
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Tyson Leies is a Lacrosse Coach in Victoria and was nominated by Liam Garland, Zac Christianson, Connor Leies and Jerrod Snippa. This is what Tyson’s athletes had to say about their ACE Coach...
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"Tyson mentors other coaches, managers and board members and can be reached at anytime for any concerns. Tyson is always available to help out with other teams when necessary.
"Tyson is not always about winning, he is about fair play, learning and having a good time. The fact we do win is a bonus and a testament to his great coaching style."
"Every Christmas, our club collects clothes, food and toys etc. for the less fortunate. This is something that Tyson started."
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Aline Strasdin is a Judo Coach in Prince George and was nominated by Stefan Zwiers . This is what Aline’s athletes had to say about their ACE Coach...
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“Aline teaches her students to have respect for themselves and others. She is a leader, a coach, a role model, a mentor, and a friend.”
"Aline is well known in the community for her consistent participation in fundraising events. She not only participates in these events herself, but also encourages her athletes to do the same, and often makes it a club event. Aline is constantly looking for ways to bring positive attention to our sport, and has been successful in making it more accessible to the northern regions.”
“Aline is a leader in many aspects. She encourages you to identify your goals, and then does everything in her power to help you reach them, no matter how big or small they are.”
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Faye Fox is a Equestrian Coach in Nakusp. This is what Faye’s athletes had to say about their ACE Coach...
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“Faye is a coach that wants you to learn the fun way. She doesn't speed you along in your learning too quick. She lets you travel on your path of learning at whatever speed is confortable for you.”
“Faye is a leader in my community for many reasons. Faye promotes and volunteers at many activities as she has a great ability to bring people together for events to achieve great things.”
“I can’t say enough about my coach Faye, she’s awesome and I wouldn’t be the rider or the person I am today with out her.”
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Jan Wahlen is a Swimming Coach in Fort St. John. This is what Jan’s athletes had to say about their ACE Coach...
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“Jan takes the time to encourage me when I am nervous or uncertain. He pushes me when I need to work harder.”
“Jan is lots of fun and he shows that he really cares about all of us. He has lots of neat ideas on how to help us improve as swimmers. I really enjoy my sport because of Jan.”
“During our winter and summer swim camps, Jan makes sure that we are involved in a range of community activities, from Canada Day to Santa Claus Parades. It’s great to be able to be involved in the community and give back”
“Jan really tries to make us think about supporting each other even when our sport is such an individual activity. Jan's a great coach”
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Jason Mongrain is a Figure Skating Coach in Kelowna. This is what Jason’s athletes had to say about their ACE Coach...
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“Jason is incredibly supportive of his athletes in helping him to reach their goals. He spends extra time with them to encourage and motivate them, and always gives his athletes further goals to work on, to inspire them”
"Jason is a great coach because he knows his stuff, he relates to young kids, and he loves the sports and he works hard. He is really good at explaining things and he is very encouraging. He's able to push me hard so I can do better in my sport without making me feel like I'm not g ood enough. He also has a sense of humour and he plays Guitar Hero.”
“Jason puts in a huge amount of time and effort into making sure the club has an awesome atmosphere and ensures there are many skating opportunities for all athletes of all ages."
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BC Athlete Voice would like to thank the following organizations for their ongoing support of the ACE Leadership Iniatitive; The Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport, 2010 Legacies Now, Team BC, the Coaches Association of BC, the Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Association of BC, the BC Games Society, the Canadian Sport Centre Pacific, the Regional PacificSport Centres, and the Provincial Sport Organizations.
For more information on the ACE Leadership Initiative or the ACE Coach Awards, please contact BC Athlete Voice at info(@)bcathletevoice.ca or on 604-333-3660.




