The St. Catharines Standard published a piece on Natasha Spaling, NC’s former women’s volleyball coach, who will join Queen’s University as full-time assistant. Spaling led the NC Knights to a silver medal victory at provincial championships in 2019.
Spaling shares her experience at NC candidly, describing her departure in bittersweet terms: “It was extremely difficult to say goodbye. Part of what I love about coaching is building authentic, caring relationships with my athletes, and within the entire school itself. Niagara truly was, and will always be, a part of my family, and so it is never easy when things change.”
Spaling also attributes her time with the Athletics and Recreation department as one which helped her grow professionally. “But I do think that the opportunities and support provided at Niagara, their investment in coach development and their commitment to excellence is what really helped me to become a better coach.”
NC’s Michele O’Keefe, associate director, Athletics and Recreation, wished Spaling the best in her career. “Queen’s University is getting a wonderful young coach in Natasha. She is strong technically and her ability to work with young student-athletes was a pleasure to watch. We wish her all the best.”
The 26-year old Drayton, Ontario native led the Knights to finish in fourth-place in the West Division with a 10-8 record. NC went 2-0 at provincials, winning silver, before going 1-2 at the CCAA national championship hosted on home court at NC’s Welland Campus.
