Reflections of 2023: William Whiteway, Indigenous Coach of the Year for 2022
William Whiteway of Fisher River Cree Nation was selected as one of two Indigenous Coaches of the Year for 2022 for his outstanding dedication and achievements in coaching both boys and girls in the same age category. His commitment to his students began in their grade 6 year, and he made a promise to coach them until they graduated, resulting in hundreds of hours of dedicated coaching time for these teams.
Throughout the 2022-23 season, William's coaching led his teams to remarkable success. His Varsity Girls Volleyball team clinched the Zone 5 Varsity Girls Volleyball Championship, showcasing their dominance in the sport. Meanwhile, his Varsity Boys Volleyball team demonstrated resilience and skill, despite losing in the semi-final to the formidable Riverton Patriots, who were ranked #4 in the Province. Notably, the first set of the match went to extra points, underscoring the competitiveness and determination instilled by William in his players.
In addition to his achievements in volleyball, William's coaching extended to basketball, where his Varsity Girls Basketball team also secured the Zone 5 Varsity Girls Basketball Championship title. While the Varsity Boys Basketball team fell short in the final of the Zone 5 Championship, their journey to the final under William's guidance speaks volumes about his coaching abilities and the dedication of his players.
William Whiteway's exceptional leadership, commitment to his students, and remarkable results on the court make him a deserving recipient of the Indigenous Coach of the Year award. His impact extends beyond wins and losses, as he serves as a role model and mentor, inspiring Indigenous youth to excel both in sports and in life.
Do you know of a coach, like William, who goes above and beyond for his athletes? Nominate them for the MASRC's Indigenous Coach of the Year Award - applications close on February 28th, 2024. Nomination forms and guidelines can be found by clicking here.
