The Niagara College Department of Athletics & Recreation is pleased to announce that Jessica Danku will be participating in the 2016-17 Canadian College Athletic Association's (CCAA) Female Apprentice Coach Program (FACP). Danku has joined the women's soccer program to learn under mentor, and Knights head coach, Frank DeChellis.
The apprenticeship program provides young female coaches the opportunity to launch a coaching career by giving former student-athletes hands on experience as well as professional development opportunities. The program was introduced in 2005 to address the shortage of qualified female coaches at the high performance level and provide additional opportunities for growth and development.
The selection of Danku is a first for the Knights as the apprenticeship program enters its 11th season. Matthew Davies, Niagara College Director of Athletics & Recreation, praised both the FACP and Danku's selection to the program. "The Niagara Knights are proud to support the Female Apprentice Coach Program as it is tremendous initiative that provides significant learning experience for young female coaches," said Davies. "Jessica brings a wealth of her own experience as a student-athlete and I believe that under the tutelage of Coach DeChellis she will be provided with the skills, insights, and confidence to succeed as a coach."
Danku is one of fifteen apprentices that will be mentored by CCAA coaches in the upcoming season, and will serve as the only representative in the soccer. Hailing from St. Catharines, Danku spent four seasons as a keeper with the NCAA Division 1 Northwestern State Demons, earning a Bachelor of Science, Health and Exercise Science degree. Danku was named to the All-Southland Conference Second Team in 2013. She currently serves as the head coach of the St. Catharines Jets U10 girls team. "I am thrilled to be joining the Niagara Knights coaching staff as part of the apprentice program," Danku said of the opportunity, "It is a great opportunity to learn from the exceptional coaching staff here at Niagara."
Coach DeChellis is excited to be adding an accomplished student-athlete to his coaching staff. DeChellis holds a National "A" Coaching License with the Canadian Soccer Association, and serves as a Master Learning Facilitator for the Ontario Soccer Association. "I am very excited for Jessica and for our coaching staff to have the opportunity to be involved in this program," said DeChellis. "Jessica's recent academic and athletic experiences will only help us extend and expand the influence that Niagara College has on our own student-athletes' development as learners and future leaders."
As a member of the coaching staff, Jessica will be involved in the team's daily training regiment, as well as pre-game planning and post-game analysis. She will also provide her goalkeeping expertise alongside current goalkeeping coach Gerry D'Angelo.
