February 24, 2008 - The Coaches Association of Ontario (COA) celebrated eight outstanding coaches from all levels of sport at the 2009 Coaching Excellence Awards this past weekend. LeeAnn Wilson, of the Camaros Baton Club in Oshawa, was the recipient of the COA Coaching Excellence Award in the Developmental Category.

The aim of the COA Coaching Excellence Awards is to recognize the many contributions and outstanidng achievements coaches have made to their sports and athletes in Ontario. The selection of recipients is based on their unique contribution to sport through continuous development.

The awards are divided into four categories, with a male and female recipient in each. The 2009 Ontario Coaching Excellence Award recipients were:

• School Sport Category: This award is given to a recipient who is a teacher-coach in the OFSAA school system. These coaches are paid employees of an Ontario school (teacher, guidance counselor, principal) who coach an extra-curricular activity.
  • (Female) Jody Miller - Cross Country Running, Swimming, Track and Field, Gymnastics
  • (Male): Ross Hryhorchuk - Gymnastics, Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer, Badminton
• Recreational/Grass Roots Category: These are coaches who coach grass roots and recreational athletes of any age. The coaching level in this environment is primarily non-competitive and the emphasis is on skill development, participation and fun.
  • (Female): Melynda Outram - Gymnastics
  • (Male): Ray Lumsden - Water Polo
• Developmental Category: The coaches at this level are responsible for athletes who are developing competitive skills as well as preparing athletes for higher levels of competition (Regional, Provincial, Canada Games or University competition).
  • (Female): LeeAnn Wilson - Baton Twirling
  • (Male): Jos Naderveen - Volleyball
• High Performance Category: Coaches who are eligible at this level primarily coach athletes who compete at the National and/or International levels.
  • (Female): Jamilla (Jamie) Kitchell-Dossantos - Taekwondo
  • (Male): Dave Ross - Trampoline