Kayla Blacquiere earns CCAA Female Apprentice Coach Program opportunity

September 6, 2023 - Kayla Blacquiere, an assistant coach with the Kodiaks soccer program, has been selected to be in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Female Apprentice Coach Program (FACP). She will be the first to represent the Lethbridge College Kodiaks in this program.

“The goal of the FACP is to increase access for young women to coach at a post-secondary competitive level, provide high level quality coaching mentorship, and support their professional development to facilitate their continued pursuit of coaching,” says CCAA in a media release.

“I am thrilled about this program because I strongly believe in the inclusion of women in sports,” Blacquiere says. “This opportunity allows me to advance my coaching career in soccer and serve as a role model for both young girls and boys. I embrace the significance of representation. I excel at my job and take pride in proving that I can perform just as competently, if not better, than anyone else. Woohoo, go girls in sport baby!” 

Blacquiere has a rich background in sport as she grew up in Lacombe, Alta. and played soccer while attending École Secondaire Lacombe Composite High School. She went on to play for the Red Deer Polytechnic Queens in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC). She was named to an ACAC All-Conference team and recognized as Rookie of the Year. After that season, she transferred to the University of Lethbridge to continue her soccer career in U-Sports from 2014-2018. 

“Having played competitive soccer throughout my entire life, I naturally assumed a leadership role within every team I joined,” says Blacquiere “Over the years, I have developed strong leadership qualities that have seamlessly transitioned into coaching.”

She was the assistant coach for the University of Lethbridge women’s soccer team for the 2021-2022 season before joining the Kodiaks coaching staff. “Unexpectedly, coaching has ignited a deep passion within me, and I am immensely grateful for committing to this path,” says Blacquiere.

Lethbridge College Kodiaks soccer head coach Sean Carey asked Kayla to join the coaching staff because he knew she was a good fit for the program he’s seen her as a player and as an assistant coach at the university. Carey is open to his assistant coaches running team sessions, giving Blacquiere the opportunity to be more involved in a coaching role. 

“I can't wait to see where she's going to end up,” says Carey. “Honestly, she's got the makings of going very high in coaching. She's very confident on the field, she knows what she wants from the players, and she knows how to talk to them. She's got the full package.”

Blacquiere’s goals for FACP are to gain coaching experience in the ACAC and CCAA by continuously improving her understanding of soccer, enhancing coaching skills, building a professional network, positively affecting student-athletes’ development, seeking professional growth opportunities, and making a lasting impact on the soccer community.

John D'Agnone, another Kodiaks soccer assistant coach, will be mentoring Blacquiere through this program. Coach D’Agnone has an analytical approach to the game that has earned him respect in the soccer community. He has his Soccer for Life course and Provincial A and Provincial B licences. D’Agnone has coached youth soccer for many years with various clubs but, most recently, he has been the head coach of the Lethbridge Football Club women’s team for the 2019 and 2022 seasons. He has been with the Kodiaks as an assistant coach for the past five seasons. 

“I feel privileged to be able to share my experiences while she is on this journey,” says D’Agnone. “I hope to lend any advice regarding tactics, session planning, and player interactions, including the psychology of coaching young athletes.”

Todd Caughlin, Kodiaks Athletics and Recreation Services Director, says Blacquiere earned the FACP opportunity with her drive and passion for coaching and learning. 

“She will be Lethbridge College’s first ever candidate to qualify for this program and we are very proud and excited for her to represent the Kodiaks.” Caughlin says.  “Kayla is a natural leader and motivator. I’m excited to see what she brings back to the development of the game and to inspire more female participation in leadership roles in our area and conference!”