Mohawk College Athletics

Meet the Coach: Matthew Schnarr (Volleyball) A multiple sport athlete in his college days, Matthew played both volleyball and badminton at the varsity level while attending Mohawk. His coaching career began by volunteering with the CANUSA Games, the longest-running friendship games in North America while still in college. Upon graduation Matthew was asked to join Mohawk’s staff as assistant coach for the men’s volleyball team. In 2008, he moved to the head coach position wh...ere he has led the team to two OCAA Gold medals and three CCAA Championships. In 2016, he took over the women’s team, coaching both teams for one season. As an athlete he gained bronze in men’s singles badminton, silver and gold in volleyball as well as receiving several academic and leadership accolades including three-time All Around Male Athlete of the Year and two-time Keith McIntyre Leadership Award. Of his many accomplishments, he is most proud of winning the OCAA gold as an athlete and then again as a coach. He shares, As an athlete we won the gold medal in 2006/07 which was 20 years to the day Mohawk had last won the gold. As a coach we won gold in 2013/14 after being down 2-1 and 17-11 in Set 4 to show the resilience to come back and win, was a match I will never forget.

Meet the Coach: Logan White (Softball) A skilled player in her own right, Logan joins Mohawk’s coaching staff after years of playing at the college and amateur level. Logan was voted Wayne State University Female Student-Athlete of the Year, won four National Championships and six Provincial Championships with the Brantford Bobcats, won Gold with Team Canada in the 2015 Pan Am Games and was inducted into the Wayne State Hall of Fame in 2020. ... Her coaching experience includes leading the 16U Brantford Bobcats as well as running softball programs through Rising Stars, an organization dedicated supporting youth through sport and education. When the opportunity came up to join her former coach and friend, Erin Forman in transforming Mohawk’s program she jumped at it. Her advice to current student-athletes is, You’ll have highs and lows in your college years. If you learn from the lows and trust in the process, then you’ll come out stronger and ready for what’s next!

Meet the Coach: Erin Forman (Softball) A former player for both Canada’s National Baseball and Softball teams, Erin has dedicated her life to sport. Playing varsity soccer, basketball and softball throughout university, Erin has received many accolades including All-American, Conference Player of the Year and Spring Arbor University Hall of Fame Inductee. ... When Erin started the softball division of Rising Stars, an organization dedicated supporting youth through sport and education, she was introduced to a group of athletes in Brantford. This was the beginning of her coaching career. For 13 years Erin has coached with the Brantford Bobcat organization. This has included leading two-time national champions and six-time provincial champions. As well as being Team Ontario coach for the 2012 ISF World Youth Tournament. When Erin started the softball division of Rising Stars, an organization dedicated to supporting youth through sport and education, she was introduced to a group of athletes in Brantford. This was the beginning of her coaching career. back-door team. We beat them first game and battled for a win the second game. I vividly remember Taylor Robblee, who is now an Assistant Coach for Mohawk, throwing the final strike and her looking me dead in eye, arms up celebrating with so much passion. I will never forget that moment as a coach.

Meet the Coach: Jordan Brown (Men’s Soccer) After graduating from Loughborough University’s Sport and Exercise Science program, Jordan began building his coaching resume by leading their women’s soccer team for two years. Before joining Mohawk’s staff, his career led him to Bradford University men’s program, RVDL and ADP Soccer academy’s as well as the Burlington Soccer Club. ... A highlight of his career thus far is reaching two cup finals while at Loughborough. Jordan describes his coaching style as Progressive.

Meet the Coach: Paul Giannini (Women’s Soccer) For over 43 years, Paul has been a competitive and rep soccer athlete. He brings his passion for the sport to the sideline where he has coached all age groups. His coaching career began with a U8 Stoney Creek SC team and his development up to the U18 age category has prepared him for his 1st season as the coach at Mohawk. A shining moment for Paul in his club coaching was when his team won the national championship while he pr...oduced many post-secondary athletes. His advice to student-athletes is Create the right balance between academics, athletics and your social life, so you can enjoy the full experience of college.

Meet the Coach: Hali Burns (Women’s Basketball) Hali’s post-secondary career as a student-athlete spanned two countries. She was recruited by Ashland University (NCAA Division II) out of high school. She finished her career at Sheridan College and is one of the most recognized women’s basketball players in OCAA history. Hali put together an impressive resume as a student-athlete: CCAA Silver medalist, 2x CCAA All-Canadian, 3x OCAA 1st team all-star, CCAA National Championsh...ip 1st team all-star, and OCAA league scoring champion. Her transition to coaching came after graduating. Her background includes being assistant coach for Kia Nurse Elite U16, head coach for Excel Hoops Prep, assistant coach for University of Toronto Mississauga and assistant coach for Team Ontario. Hali’s advice to student-athletes: Play hard, compete hard and play smart!

Meet the Coach: Ryan Gagnon (Cross Country) Having been a member of both the Mohawk College and Brock University Cross Country teams, Ryan always had his eye on coaching. Throughout his college and university days, he achieved academic and leadership awards including the OCAA All-Academic, Academic All-Canadian, Brock Badger Award for leadership, as well as number first-place finishes in Hamilton, Burlington, Cleveland and Niceville, Florida. ... His coaching background includes being a snowboard and running club instructor, a climbing coach, as well as a strength and conditioning specialist. Of his many accomplishments, he is most proud of winning the OCAA Coach of the year award in his first year of coaching at Mohawk. When asked to provide advice to his student-athletes Ryan says, You are not the sum of your successes and failures you become the sum of how you respond to those successes and failures.

Name: Marc Marchand Sport: Men’s Volleyball High School: I.E Weldon Club Team: Peterborough Thunder... Height: 6’5 Position: Outside Hitter Program of Study: Health, Wellness and Fitness Coaches Comments: Marc will be a welcomed addition to our Mountaineer MVB program. His size and physicality on the pins will be a good start for his transition to the OCAA/CCAA. We look for him to come in and compete immediately in and out or practice for quality court time. Welcome to the Mountaineer Family

Meet the Coach: Deb Eldridge (Golf) An Ontario Golf Hall of Famer, Deb Elridge has brought her expertise in the sport of golf to Mohawk’s athletes for the last decade. A former student-athlete herself, Deb played for four years at Indiana University. In 1996 she was a touring member of the LGPA. Her other achievements include being a five-time Ontario Amateur Champion and a National Amateur Champion of France. ... Her advice to student-athletes is, Take advantage of the opportunities you have to develop as an athlete and student you are making lifelong memories so do your best and always keep trying.

Meet the Coach: Paul Giannini (Women’s Soccer) For over 43 years, Paul has been a competitive and rep soccer athlete. He brings his passion for the sport to the sideline where he has coached all age groups. His coaching career began with a U8 Stoney Creek SC team and his development up to the U18 age category has prepared him for his 1st season as the coach at Mohawk. A shining moment for Paul in his club coaching was when his team won the national championship while he pr...oduced many post-secondary athletes. His advice to student-athletes is Create the right balance between academics, athletics and your social life, so you can enjoy the full experience of college.

Meet the Coach: Betty Calic (Curling) Throughout her youth, Betty enjoyed competing in track & field, cross country and was part of Woodstock’s first female lacrosse league. Her interest in curling came later in her life. Before joining Mohawk’s curling program, previous head coach, Barry Macklin encouraged Betty’s passion for the sport by recommending curling coaching workshops which led to her becoming an assistant coach for the team. When Barry was ready to pass on the ...torch, he knew Betty would be great for the head coach role. Although Betty has been part of several club championships and international bonspiels, she is most proud of the three medals her Mountaineer athletes have achieved at the OCAA Championships and the CCAA Championships. When it comes to passing on advice to student-athletes Betty says: Focus on the basics. It is easy to overestimate the importance of one winning event or one big break while forgetting the power that leads you to your victory. With the fundamentals, tiny gains will add up to success.

Meet the Coach: Alex Paris (Men’s Rugby) A multi-sport athlete in his youth, Alex gravitated to Rugby in grade 11 when he began playing club. He has played both regionally and provincially as a junior and senior level player. He attended Mohawk College in the mid-90s and played on the varsity basketball team as well as being a representative on the Student Athletic Committee. ... Alex shifted his focus to coaching at the conclusion of his playing career. He has coached with the Hamilton Hornets, Brantford Harlequins and Rugby Ontario. Some highlights of his coaching career include winning OCAA gold as well as receiving a OCAA Coach of the year. Alex says: There is no more significant highlight or accomplishment than watching your student-athletes walk across the stage during graduation. I have watched many young men and women make that journey from Mohawk student-athlete to productive community contributor. For me this is why we coach at the collegiate level.

We hope to stay connected to our Mohawk community while Mountaineer varsity sports are on hold this Fall. Over the next few months, we’ll introduce (or re-introduce) you to our dedicated and talented coaches and athletes. Watch out for more info.

Thirty-Four Mountaineer Student Athletes named as CCAA National Scholars for their achievement in academics while being a Student-Athlete! Check the link for the full story... https://www.ccaa.ca//2020-/releases/2020_national_scholars

Mountaineer Recruit Announcement Natalie Gelms Sport: Women's Basketball High School: Guido de Bres Height: 5'11... Position: Forward/Centre Program of Study: Nursing Coaches Comments: Natalie is a local athlete from Hamilton, the Mountaineer Athletics department is excited to add some local talent to the women's basketball roster. Coach Burns had this to say about Natalie, "Natalie brings size and athleticism to the Mohawk Women’s Basketball Roster. Natalie will make an impact in her first year with her rebounding and ability to finish in the paint." We would like to welcome Natalie to the Mountaineer Family! #mountaineerGRIT

Mountaineer Recruit Announcement Katie Kalbfleisch Sport: Women's Volleyball High School: Barrie Eastview Club Team: Barrie Elites... Height: 5'11 Position: Right Side Program of Study: Medical Radiation Sciences Coaches Comments: Katie has been an athlete on the radar since recognizing her at OFSAA in 2019. As a coveted left handed right side, she will bring a dynamic presence to our offense. Her steady and quiet play will be an asset to our program. We are looking forward to her contributions on the scoreboard for years to come. Welcome to the Mountaineer Family! #mountaineerGRIT

Better late than NEVER! WEEK THREE - MOUNTAINEER WELLNESS CHALLENGE "Stars of the Week" Kenny Huynh - Rugby Emily Pigott - Volleyball... Kaelyn Emslie - Volleyball Week 4 weekend challenge commences! #mountaineerGRIT

Mountaineer Recruit Announcement Kayla Vanbeek Sport: Women's Basketball High School: Bishop Ryan CSS... Club Team: Blessed Sacrament Height: 6'1 Position: Forward/Center Program of Study: Nursing Coaches Comments: Kayla is a solid post player who protects the rim, creates off the dribble and a post game that will allow her to score efficiently with the ability to finish with contact at the rim. With the skills mentioned, Kayla will bring a presence to the paint for the Mohawk Women's Basketball program! Welcome to the Mountaineer Family! #mountaineerGRIT

WEEK TWO - MOUNTAINEER WELLNESS CHALLENGE "Stars of the Week" Kenny Huynh - Rugby Emily MacEachern- Volleyball Matt Foster - Basketball Emily Pigott - Volleyball... Kaelyn Emslie - Volleyball Week 3 starts today! #mountaineerGRIT

Mountaineer Hall of Famer, past coach, athlete, colleague and friend, Kelly Dunham ‘91, sadly passed away in May. To honour her life and passion for supporting female student-athletes her family has generously created student awards at Mohawk College and McMaster University to provide financial support to female students in varsity basketball, a sport near and dear to Kelly’s heart. In support of the Dunham family's commemorative award, and as an incentive to potential donors, Mohawk College has committed to doubling the total value of the scholarship fund once it reaches $25,000 creating a $50,000 legacy fund for this award. The Dunham family, in partnership with Mohawk College, invites you to continue Kelly’s impact through a donation to her award. https://www.mohawknewsdesk.ca/remembering-kelly-dunham---u/