OCAA COACH OF THE YEAR NOMINEES ANNOUNCED

TORONTO - The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) is proud to announce the following nominees for its 2025-26 Coach of the Year.

Bill Carriere
Women's Basketball, Fanshawe Falcons

Bill Carriere brought out the best of the Fanshawe Falcons when it mattered most. Entering the post-season as the West Division's third seed with an 11-5 record, the Falcons staged a pair of thrilling upsets against top-seeded Mohawk and second-seeded Humber on consecutive days to win a very competitive OCAA championship, their first since 2020.

The momentum carried onto the national stage, where the Falcons took down No. 6 nationally-ranked Douglas and host Dawson. Although they eventually fell to third-seeded VIU in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association final, the silver medal marked the most successful national championship run in program history.

Chloe Rowe
Badminton, Humber Hawks

After a successful run as a student-athlete where she captured four national titles with four different partners, Chloe Rowe has continued her passion for the sport of badminton as a head coach.

This past season saw Humber Hawks student-athletes win five OCAA gold medals, including the women's team title. This group went on to win two gold and two silver medals at nationals. Rowe's guidance earned her dual honours as both the OCAA and Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association Badminton Coach of the Year.

Steve Vagnini
Women's Soccer, St. Clair Saints

After a flawless regular season and a West Division regular season title, head coach Steve Vagnini guided the St. Clair Saints to their first OCAA outdoor championship in over three decades. Making their debut on the national stage, the Saints posted a 2-2 record and fought their way to the bronze medal match.

Vagnini's leadership earned him dual honours as both the OCAA and Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association Women's Soccer Coach of the Year. More recently, the Saints reached the OCAA indoor bronze medal game, though they fell just short after losing both playoff matches in penalty kicks.

The 2025-26 OCAA Coach of the Year will be announced on Monday, Apr. 20.

OCAA MAJOR AWARD NOMINEE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Monday, Apr. 13 - Coach of the Year
Tuesday, Apr. 14 - Female Rookie of the Year
Wednesday, Apr. 15 - Male Rookie of the Year
Thursday, Apr. 16 - Male Athlete of the Year
Friday, Apr. 17 - Female Athlete of the Year

- OCAA -

ABOUT ONTARIO COLLEGES ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

For nearly 60 years, the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association has been a dedicated leader in amateur athletics through the provision of quality varsity and recreational athletic opportunities at the collegiate level.

For additional information please contact:
Josh Bell-Webster
Marketing and Communications
Ontario Colleges Athletic Association
Tel: 416-426-7041
E-mail: bell-webster@ocaa.com