Bobbie Taylor CCAA Coach of the Year

Story courtesy of the CCAA

Bobbie Taylor of the VIU Mariners has been named the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Women’s Soccer Coach of the Year.

Taylor was honoured at the 2023 CCAA Women’s Soccer National Championship, hosted by Holland College.

The VIU Mariners found themselves in somewhat of a rebuild this season, losing key players to graduation, including the 2022 Player of the Year, an All-Canadian and two All-Stars. Despite this loss in talent and leadership, Taylor’s ability to develop new contributors and team camaraderie led the Mariners back to the PACWEST Playoffs.

“Coach Taylor has a strong vision and adeptness for empowering her players through commitment, healthy teamwork, and leadership on the field and in the community,” said Marlene Ford, CCAA Women’s Soccer Convenor. “She not only strives to improve her players’ athletic abilities but also their contributions as citizens.”

Taylor took over VIU’s Women’s Soccer Program in the summer of 2022 and has seen 13 of her players find success in British Columbia’s League 1. Several have also competed in the Nanaimo United FC Academy system.

Taylor also emphasises the academic side of being a student-athlete. She prioritizes the scheduling of time for schoolwork during road trips and it’s been reflected in the high GPAs that her players have earned. Students have spoken highly of her ability to connect with them as well as her encouragement to support social causes.

“From the moment you meet Bobbie, you know that her DNA is completely wrapped in coaching,” said Matt Carter, VIU Communications & Sports Information Coordinator. “She earns respect by how she connects with her student-athletes but also in her technical knowledge of the game. She develops excellent people--not just players--and it is shown by the level of success she's earned in just two years at VIU."

Aside from VIU, Taylor’s coaching resume includes youth programs within the Vancouver Island Premier League, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and Nanaimo United FC, where she currently serves as a Competitive Coach and Player Development Lead for U12-U18 females. Taylor has a storied history with VIU, serving briefly as the Mariner’s Head Coach in 2000-01 and competing as a midfielder and captain with Malaspina College from 1988-91 – Malaspina College became VIU in 2008.

Other nominees for the CCAA Women’s Soccer Coach of the Year award were Franco Imbrogno of the Concordia Thunder (Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference), Tory Walker of the Providence Pilots (Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference), Steve Vagnini of the St. Clair Saints (Ontario Colleges Athletic Association), Vincent Orsida of the Champlain Saint-Lambert Cavaliers (Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec) and Jonathan Vos of the Holland Hurricanes (Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association).

The CCAA Women’s Soccer Coach of the Year recipient receives a customized ring provided by Jostens Canada, the Official Ring Supplier of the CCAA.