Hosfeld named to U SPORTS Female Apprentice Coach Program

Bobcat women’s volleyball assistant coach Ashley Hosfeld will have an exciting opportunity to continue growing her coaching portfolio, as she has been named to the national Female Apprentice Coach program with U SPORTS.

The program aims to increase the number of females in coaching positions across Canadian universities, by matching apprentice coaches who have recently graduated, with a head coach in one of the 11 U SPORTS-sanctioned sport offerings for female-identifying student-athletes.

Hosfeld was announced as one of 18 successful recipients of this year’s program among 37 applicants on Tuesday and will now have the opportunity to continue expanding on her coaching opportunities.

“Coaching is often seen as tallies in a win or loss column, but it is so much more than that. I am looking forward to getting a chance to take a deeper dive into all facets of coaching and become more familiar with the ‘behind the scenes’,” said Hosfeld after being selected to participate in the program.

In her third season as an assistant coach with the Bobcats, Hosfeld joined the coaching staff after playing the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons with BU after transferring from Fanshawe College. 

“This program will assist in developing my leadership to become a stronger coach. There will also be opportunities for professional development that allow me to bring back fresh ideas to contribute to the growth of the Bobcat volleyball program, and any program that I am honoured to be a part of.”

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 will also attend at least one National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP), with the option to also take additional professional development courses and seminars in the field of coaching.

The 2022-23 U SPORTS Female Apprentice Coach Program begins on Apr. 1. 

“We’re excited to continue to build upon our Female Apprentice Coach Program,” said Jennifer Smart, Director of Sport at U SPORTS. “Despite the unprecedented COVID-related challenges faced in the first two years of the program, this initiative has already proved to provide the tools and atmosphere needed to open new doors and further coaching development in the U SPORTS ecosystem in the name of equity and diversity. This program is built to foster the success of our proud alumnae who look to become coaches themselves in the future.”

The complete list of this year’s program participants can be found on the U SPORTS website.