The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) is proud to announce its 2019-20 participants in the annual Female Apprentice Coach Program for the sport of Soccer.
Centennial Colts, OCAA
Apprentice: Jessica Friend
Mentor: Diarmuid O'Connor
Former Colts captain Jessica Friend will bring a wealth of experience to the Women's Soccer program at Centennial College this fall. Friend returns to the Colts as an apprentice under Head Coach Diarmuid O'Connor.
After four seasons with the Western University Mustangs (U Sports), Friend wrapped up her varsity career last season with the Colts in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA). This past summer, she suited up for Alliance United FC, a semi-professional club in League One Ontario.
Now, her attention shifts to coaching.
"She is very keen to initiate her path to becoming a coach," said Darcy Brioux, Manager, Athletics and recreation at Centennial. "This program is perfect for a young aspiring former CCAA athlete who wants to become a coach in the CCAA."
For Friend, the sport of soccer has allowed her to discover her ability to lead.
"It is a dream of mine to be able to take my knowledge and love of the game to coach young aspiring athletes who are going through their post-secondary experiences," she said.
Friend grew as an athlete and leader at Western, where she was named captain in her fourth season with the Mustangs. She excelled on the field, earning three Ontario University All-Star awards.
Off the field, she became involved with FitSpirit, where she was a movement ambassador. She promoted a healthy active lifestyle for young girls and ran weekly upbeat workouts for 40 girls.
Last season, Friend joined the Centennial Colts for her final year of eligibility.
"I came in not knowing anyone yet had the best experience with the best group of girls," she said. "As an older player, I found it rewarding to help and encourage the younger girls on the team."
O'Connor, who has coached at Centennial since 2007, believes Friend has the potential to be an excellent coach.
"She is a role model in her behaviour as well as the approach she takes to learning all facets of the game," said O'Connor. "I have no doubt she will be a great female head coach in the future, and it is my commitment to help her along that path and involve her in every aspect of coaching."
Friend looks forward to working alongside O'Connor and bringing her own personal experiences to the table.
"Predominately I have been coached by men and I want to show girls that women can be strong leaders too, which is why I am grateful for an opportunity like this offered by the CCAA," said Friend.
Source: CCAA Communications