From All-Star To Coach
Zoe Grace of the VIU Mariners is chosen to participate in the FACP program
Courtesy of the CCAA
The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) is proud to announce its 2018-19 participants for the sport of Women’s Soccer.
VIU Mariners, PACWEST
Apprentice: Zoe Grace
Mentor: Kevin Lindo
Zoe Grace proved to be a consummate team player during her time with the Women’s Soccer program at Vancouver Island University and the former Mariner will have full support from the institution as she begins her coaching career.
“After directly seeing the benefits of the Female Apprentice Coach Program, I know this will be beneficial to Zoe’s development as a young coach and will support the values of gender inclusion that I want to embody at VIU,” said Stephanie White, Director of High Performance Sport, Recreation and Physical Literacy at the University.
In her fifth and final year of eligibility last season, Grace exhibited her leadership with her willingness to step in and play goaltender for the Mariners. She led VIU to a Pacific Western Athletic Association (PACWEST) bronze medal in a position she had not played since high school.
Grace’s career with the Mariners included two provincial titles and a pair of appearances at CCAA Nationals. She excelled off the field as well, receiving the CCAA National Scholar Award in 2015-16.
Prior to attending VIU, Grace volunteered for two seasons as an assistant coach with her former high school soccer team. She’s also volunteered as an assistant coach on numerous youth teams in her hometown of Saskatoon, SK.
Grace is anxious to take advantage of an opportunity to get her foot in the door as a female apprentice in a sport she is passionate about.
“Growing up in the competitive soccer world, I had only a handful of female coaches,” she said. “I would love to be a part of the shift that sees more females stepping into head coaching positions and inspiring future generations of females.”
Grace will be mentored by Mariners head coach Kevin Lindo, who is also a Learner Facilitator for BC Soccer and the NCCP program as well as Athlete and Coach Services Coordinator for PacificSport Vancouver Island.
Lindo’s coaching philosophy includes a holistic approach which focuses on the technical, tactical, physical, and psychological/social all in a positive learning environment.
“I know that working closely with Coach Lindo will provide Zoe a solid foundation to develop her coaching career,” said White.