ANCASTER, ONT (October 24, 2019) - Niagara College Athletics and Recreation Department  is proud to announce that Rob Lalama of the Knights women's soccer program has been named the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) West Region Coach of the Year. 

This season marked Lalama's third with the Knights women's program, and led them to their second consecutive appearance at the OCAA Championship this season, where the fell short to Fanshawe College in the quarterfinal round.

Lalama guided the Knights to a 5-2-2 record this season, and adds to his career record of 16-9-4 since taking over the women's program in 2017.

Initially hired as an associate head coach for the men's program in 2016, Lalama was officially handed over the reigns to the women's program in the fall of 2017, after long-time coach Frank DeChellis stepped away to focus solely on the men's squad. 

In 2018, Lalama led the program to it's best finish in program history, recording their first playoff win and OCAA Championship appearance with a 7-3 record. 

Lalama becomes just the second women's soccer coach to receive the Coach of the Year (West Division) since 2010 when DeChellis was the recipient. 

"Rob Lalama is the type of coach who is 100% committed to his athletes, his team and Niagara College," said Associate Director of Athletics and Recreation Michele O'Keefe. "Being named the OCAA West Coach of the Year is a wonderful feather in his cap and a testament to the work that Rob is doing."

Lalama's Knights rounded out their 2019 season with a 2-0 loss to the Fanshawe Falcons in their quarterfinal match-up at the OCAA Championships hosted by Redeemer on October 23rd.

Lalama was presented his award on October 24th, 2019 at the OCAA Women's Soccer Championship Banquet held in Ancaster, Ont.