Maddy Postnikoff Joins FACP

Story courtesy of the CCAA

The PACWEST in conjunction with the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) is proud to announce Maddy Postnikoff of the Okanagan Coyotes women's basketball team will participants in the annual Female Apprentice Coach Program (FACP).

While Maddy Postnikoff’s playing career in the Pacific Western Athletic Association (PACWEST) has come to an end, there was no doubt in the former Okanagan Coyotes student-athlete’s mind that she’d remain involved in the sport she loves.

Postnikoff is being mentored by her former coach Andrew Gini as an apprentice in the CCAA’s FACP.

“I may be done playing, but my passion for the sport and love for teaching it is far from being over,” said Postnikoff, who captained the Coyotes last season.
Her love for the sport of basketball is unwavering and the opportunity to further develop as an apprentice in the FACP is a dream come true for Postnikoff.

“I believe this program will aid in empowering me and giving me the tools to become a successful coach,” she said. “I desire to learn and grow in ways that will make me more knowledgeable in coaching at all levels.”

Postnikoff suited up for the Coyotes for the last two seasons after playing post-secondary basketball in Alberta and the United States. She brings diverse experience with teamwork, leadership and discipline to her role as an apprentice at Okanagan.

Postnikoff has already built an impressive coaching resume. She has coached at the high school level with Heritage Christian School, worked at summer basketball camps, coached in a Youth 3-on-3 league and worked at multiple camps run by the Junior Coyotes. During her senior year of high school, Postnikoff was given the incredible opportunity to organize and run a children’s basketball camp while on a school trip in Mexico.

Catherine Newton, interim Athletic Director at Okanagan College has watched Postnikoff train and play for two years and believes she is an excellent candidate for the FACP.

“Maddy is a good communicator who has earned respect from both the players and coaches,” said Newton. “She has made it very clear she is excited to grow as a coach and very willing to put in the time and effort required both on and off the court.”

Postnikoff is working closely with Gini, who has been coach of the Okanagan Coyotes for three years. Gini has coached at all levels and is the owner/director of Junior Coyotes Basketball; he brings a wealth of coaching experience to this mentorship role.

Gini will assist Postnikoff with her one-one-one work with players via drills as well as building relationships and organizing practice sessions.

“Maddy is deeply passionate about the game and is keen to learn,” said Gini, who is completing his Masters in Coaching at The University of British Columbia.

“I continue to learn and grow every day and want to help those like Maddy who have that same passion.”

Postnikoff has thus far embraced her role as an apprentice coach at Okanagan, which became a member of the CCAA in 2018. She coordinates and attends Zoom video session with the team and meets individual players on development and training issues.

The 2020-21 season is like none other in CCAA history and even though CCAA Championships have been cancelled, coach education and training – which is key to the CCAA’s FACP – is being further supplemented via the FACP Leadership Development Program. This Leadership Program is developed by former CCAA student-athlete and current CCAA Head Coach and Doctoral student Danielle Cyr, who will be facilitating the mentorship process.

For Postnikoff, coaching basketball is an ideal way to cultivate and connect with people.

“Being given the resources to shadow great coaches and learn different aspects of coaching at the collegiate level adds a whole new level to my ability to learn, lead, and connect,” she said.