The Coach of the Year award is presented as part of Sport Manitoba's Night of Champions presented by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries annually in April, and the category winners are recognized during National Coaches Week in September.
The category refers to the type of athlete the coach is primarily coaching and at which level they have competed.
Vince Leah Memorial Award - Fundamentals
Individuals who coach grassroots athletes of any age. The coaching environment at this level is primarily non-competitive, with an emphasis on participation and having fun.
Konica Minolta Dr. Jack Hunt Award - Learn to Train
Coaches who are responsible for athletes developing competitive skills and preparing for competition (i.e., regional or provincial)
Janet Arnott Memorial Award - Train to Train
Coaches who are responsible for athletes who compete at the Canada Games and National Championships
Peter Williamson Memorial Award - Train to Compete/Train to Win
Coaches who primarily work with high-performance athletes that compete at the national or international level.
Peter Dick Award - School Systems
These coaches are in the school system and coach as an extracurricular activity. This award is open to those individuals who coach at all grade levels from elementary through high school.
Active for Life Award
Coaches who are responsible for athletes who focus on achieving health and fitness for life.
Archery
Matthew Trudeau
Sessilja (Kirstie) Jonasson
Athletics
Jill (Gillian) Seymour
Courtney Allary
Kaitlyn Clarke
Justin Charrier
Graham Hutchison-Campbell
Shaye Samec
Patrick Nepinak
Badminton
Kyler Murray
Della Mason
Baseball
Keith Bousquet
Roger Langlais
John Howden
Basketball
Keith Mason
Bryden Bukich
Danielle Daniels
Kaelei Knutson
Josh Gandier
Jack Jamieson
Chris Isaacs
Amanda Hallson
Donovan Martin
Rich Shead
Preslee Munroe
Tania Wallack
Kim Avanthay
Claudia Anderson
William Munroe
Box Lacrosse
Richard De La Ronde
Malcolm Blacksmith
Tyndall Fontaine
Cruz Jimenez
Stacey McIvor
Delanie Bruyere
Laura Pott
Darryl Young
Canoe/Kayak
Mohamed Crossman-Serb
Fredrick Spence
Berlinda Garrioch
Cheryll Constant
Shawna Joynt
Nadya Crossman-Serb
Golf
Dennis Chartrand
Sherry Meade
Rifle Shooting
Trevor Dysart
Soccer
Gary Swanson
Peyton Swanson
Chelsea McKay
Simone Turner-C
Shannon Ross
Don Sookermany
Janelle Chartrand
Nicole Chartrand
Jessica Chow
Stephanie Midford
Cadin Dupasquier
Margaret Anderton
Jarrett Campbell
Christina Keeper
Softball
Leslie McKay
Virgil Arthurson
Hailey Yuskin
Kelly Yuskin
Dennis Stevenson
Dean Govereau
Shaye Kemball
Todd Kemball
Candace Ransome
Melissa Houle
Swimming
Robyn Chow
Carson Beggs
Maxine Lavitt
Wendy Shewchuk
Tracy Bowman
Gordon Mallet
Volleyball
Benjamin Szewczyk
Charisse Cyr
Jayme Menzies
Tristan Dreilich
Gabrielle Wishart
Brooke Kozielec
Kristy Fewchuk
Jani Comeault
Riya Donnelly
Cameron Menzies
Wrestling
Mika Coles
Jordan Colomb
Savannah Chapman Cochrane
Winona Morrison
Desmond Bear
Dawn Bear
Volleyball
Arnd Lupo Ludwig
Mike Stephens
Please review the nomination package before completing the nomination form.
Notice: All nominations must include a minimum of three high-resolution pictures of the coach submitted via the Google Form. If you are experiencing technical difficulties or want more information, email coaching@sportmanitoba.ca or call (204) 925-5692.
Years of Service Recognition
Coaches who have dedicated a minimum of 25 years to coaching at any level. To be recognized for this award, the coach must be nominated through their Provincial Sport Organization.
International Coach Recognition
Manitoba coaches who have coached at International Events in 2022/23.
Our Sport Manitoba Coaching Awards presented by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries nominees and winners. Thank you to all the nominated coaches. You are incredible role models for your athletes. Thank you!
Nominees
Megan Mossop
Sally & Peter Alexander
Winner
In youth sports, a coach’s influence can shape not only a player’s skills but also their love for the game. Bryan Bjornson, a dedicated coach with the Northeast Softball Association (NESA), embodies this with his approach to coaching U9 and U11 softball. For the past three years, he’s been more than just a coach—he’s been a mentor who prioritizes inclusion, confidence, and sportsmanship.
Nominees
Alex Shogolev
Wade Marks
Alyssa Moon
David Toupin
Amber Heard
Winner
With over 20 years of experience, Tristan Caswell has made a lasting mark in the equestrian world. As an Equestrian Canada NCCP Certified Competition Coach Specialist and Coach Developer, she is dedicated to both horse and rider, helping them excel at every level of the sport. Her leadership at Stonehurst Stable and Urban Stable highlights her commitment to equestrian excellence and the personal growth of her students.
Nominees
Dominic Jones-Bieringer
Winner
Since 2008, Kate Nosworthy has been a driving force in Manitoba’s taekwondo community. With a career that spans over 15 years, Kate’s contributions have reached far beyond the mat. Serving on the boards of Taekwondo Manitoba and Taekwondo Canada, she has played a crucial role in shaping the sport through policy development, ensuring its growth on both a national and global scale.
Winner
With nine years of coaching experience, John Kiesman has been a driving force behind one of the most remarkable program turnarounds in the history of the Winnipeg High School Football League (WHSFL).
His passion for the sport and commitment to his players have reshaped Elmwood’s football program, taking it from one of the lowest-ranked teams to a top contender, competing in AAAA playoffs against powerhouse schools like St. Paul’s, Dakota, and Oak Park.
Winner
Since 2013, Michelle Geortzen has been a cornerstone of Special Olympics Manitoba, coaching a diverse range of sports, including track and field, snowshoeing, bowling, bocce, and softball. Her commitment goes beyond teaching sports skills; she opens doors for athletes, giving them opportunities they might not otherwise have had.
