National Coaches Week is September 23-30.  An initiative of the Coaches Association of Canada and the Provincial and Territorial coaching organizations, this week celebrates the tremendous positive impact coaches have on athletes and communities across Canada.  This week is an opportunity to recognize coaches for the integral role they play by simply saying #ThanksCoach.

The BC Games and Team BC are part of BC’s athlete development pathway, but also provide an important opportunity for coaching development.  Organizations like Rowing BC have seen the progression and success of their coaches through these programs. 

In honour of National Coaches Week, we are profiling some outstanding coaches who took part in the 2017 Canada Summer Games propelling Team BC to its best ever finish.

Stacy Mitchell

• Saltspring Island
• Team BC Rowing Coach – 2017 Canada Summer Games
• RCA Performance Level Trained
• Masters in Education in Coaching Studies from UVIC

Coaching Style:  Passionate, Athlete Centred, Excellence, Performance

Inspirational quote: “Winning means you are willing to work harder and give more than anyone else.” 

Motivational song: Eye of the Tiger by Survivor

Fun motivation moment:
I do like to add some humor and make things fun to take the pressure off and remind athletes this is ultimately because we love rowing as a sport. So as I have pushed my athletes off the dock and said “ let’s go have some high performance fun!” Doesn’t make sense but they always have a smile!
 
Best memory from the 2017 Canada Games:
Watching the women’s rowing team celebrate their successes on the water and off the water...and my selfie with Justin Trudeau at the Opening Ceremony. 

Best coaching moments:  
My memorable coaching moments are with those athletes that really don’t think they can do a race or are competitive. The athletes with the least confidence and they cross that finish line with the biggest smile of accomplishment.  It is why I coach.

Future coaching goals: 
To complete my COPSIN Advanced Coaching Diploma and one day coach for Rowing Canada and the national team.