August 13, 2024...WELLAND, ON - Niagara College is excited to bring on Kimbal Mackenzie as interim head coach of the women's basketball program, effective immediately. He replaces Chris Rao who is moving to a new opportunity.  

Mackenzie brings decades of high-level playing experience with him to the Knights. A native of Oakville, ON, he completed his high school diploma in the US before accepting a D1 scholarship to Bucknell University in Pennsylvania. He graduated with honors and is working on his Master's in Finance. Following his graduation, Kimbal played professionally in both Spain and the UK as well as for two different teams in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), most recently the Niagara River Lions. 

"We're excited to have Coach Mackenzie join the Knights family," said Michele O'Keefe, Director, Athletics & Student Engagement. "This young coach brings his excellent playing pedigree to our women's team along with his very high basketball IQ. He will have to quickly learn the landscape of OCAA women's basketball, and we are confident Kimbal is ready for the challenge."  

Mackenzie captained the River Lions to their first CEBL championship this week. The local CEBL franchise won the title on Sunday, August 11, 2024, against Vancouver. 

Now a resident of Grimsby, ON, Kimbal is looking forward to the opportunity to settle down with his family and continue the winning culture that coach Chris Rao has built. Coach Kimbal shares "I am thrilled to be joining the Niagara College Knights family [and] am fortunate to be given the opportunity to take over a program with a great culture and experienced and talented players". 

The Knights finished the regular season last year with a 12-4 record and brought home the bronze medal from the OCAA Championship.  With many of the players returning and the addition of a few new players, the team will make a push for OCAA gold this year.