Poulin-Beaulieu named CCAA Coach of the Year

Ian Poulin-Beaulieu of the Élans de Garneau has been named the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Women’s Volleyball Coach of the Year.

Poulin-Beaulieu received the award at the 2020 CCAA Women’s Volleyball National Championship banquet, hosted by Cégep Garneau in Québec, QC.  

“Ian develops his student-athletes on and off the court to be strong technically as well as academically,” said Fred Batley, CCAA Women’s Volleyball Convenor. “His knowledge of volleyball and his overall vision has allowed the Élans to continue their tradition of excellence.”

Well-liked by his student-athletes for his leadership and communication style, Poulin-Beaulieu helped Garneau progress throughout the season in the Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (RSEQ).

After placing a 12-6 record a year ago, Poulin-Beaulieu guided the Élans to a perfect 17-0 record in the RSEQ. Not satisfied with an automatic berth to Nationals as host of the 2020 CCAA Women’s Volleyball National Championship, Garneau defeated Édouard-Montpetit in three sets to capture the RSEQ Championship and qualify as provincial champions.

The Élans were also a finalist at the Coupe de l’Est du Canada tournament in January.

At Garneau, Poulin-Beaulieu’s goal is to elevate his athletes’ technical skills as well as the team’s systems. He also focuses on their tactical development and ability to read the game.

Furthermore, Poulin-Beaulieu is committed to contributing to their technical development as athletes and as individuals off the court through his expertise as an educator. Whenever any issues arise, he puts solutions in place to help each of his student-athletes.

In addition to his role with the Élans, Poulin-Beaulieu leads the Essor Women’s Volleyball club in Québec City, which includes more than 80 athletes from U14 to U18. He also mentors his 10 coaches. Poulin-Beaulieu coaches the club’s elite and development programs and coordinates the Espoir Centre.

Other nominees for the CCAA Women’s Volleyball Coach of the Year award were Brent Hall of the Camosun Chargers (Pacific Western Athletic Association), Nolan Weinmaster of the Briercrest Clippers (Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference), Tony Clarke of the Durham Lords (Ontario Colleges Athletic Association) and Carrie Peck of the Dalhousie AC Rams (Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association).

CCAA Coach of the Year winners receive a customized ring provided by Jostens Canada, the Official Ring Supplier of the CCAA Championship banquet.