In a June 20 BPSN article, journalist Bernie Puchalski spoke with Allie Columbus, Niagara College’s new women’s basketball head coach. The 27-year-old Watertown native, who has served as an assistant coach with the women’s basketball programs at both Brock and Western universities, is now stepping into the head coaching role at NC and is excited to return to Niagara and lead a program she’s long admired.
During the interview, Columbus discusses her unique coaching approach and philosophy
“I bring unique aspects and perspectives from having played at the post secondary level but I go beyond that with my coaching experience and also my educational background,” said Columbus, who holds a Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology degree and a Master of Science in Kinesiology degree from Brock and a Bachelor of Education degree from Western. “The research that I have conducted, looking at mental health in sport and having a teaching degree allows me to pursue coaching from a different perspective that maybe hasn’t been seen in previous years.”
“I’m ensuring that my athletes feel supported physically, mentally, emotionally and socially and having that in addition to being a competitive program,” she added. “My philosophy is to be competitive but have my athletes feel supported from that holistic perspective.”
Read the June 20 article here.
