Bulmer selected as part of 2024 U SPORTS Female Apprentice Coach Program

Eighteen participants from across the country have been selected for the 2024 U SPORTS Female Apprentice Coach Program, funded through Sport Canada. Tessa Bulmer, lead assistant coach on the Tigers women’s volleyball team is one of those selected.

Originally launched in the 2020-2021 school season, the U SPORTS Female Apprentice Coach Program aims to increase the number of females in coaching positions across Canadian universities. The Program matches apprentice coaches who have recently graduated, with a head coach in one of 12 U SPORTS-sanctioned sports for female-identifying student-athletes.

Bulmer was recently announced as the lead assistant coach for the Tigers women’s volleyball team after 6 years on the Tigers coaching staff. An accomplished U SPORTS athlete, she suited up for both the Tigers and Acadia Axewomen in her five-year career. A five-time academic all-Canadian, Bulmer received AUS all-rookie recognition during her time with the Axewomen.

More recently, Bulmer led the Tigers to a U SPORTS bronze medal in the 2022-23 season.

Mentoring Bulmer will be Tigers men’s volleyball head coach, Dan Ota. Entering his 26^th season with the Tigers, Ota also coaches with Volleyball Canada in their NextGen team and led them to a second-place finish at the 2023 NORCECA Men’s Continental Championship.

This is the third time a Tiger has been selected as a member of this program. Previously Emily Clarke and Heather Beaton were selected.

All participants in the program will be a member of the coaching staff at their respective schools and where possible, will provide feedback to colleagues as well as student-athletes, while taking part in team activities. Each apprentice coach also has the opportunity to also take professional development courses and seminars in the field of coaching – a minimum of 20 per cent of the allotted grant must be earmarked for professional development activities.

Full U SPORTS Release