20 Athletes Take the Next Step in their Coaching Journeys

MONTRÉAL, QC (April 16, 2026) — Twenty Team Canada athletes are continuing to grow their leadership and explore coaching through the NCCP Coach Education Grant, delivered in partnership with the Coaching Association of Canada.
Through the grant, athletes receive up to $1,000 to pursue coach education through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP), supporting their development across Competition–Introduction, Competition–Development, and Advanced Coaching Diploma streams.
Since launching in 2018, 146 Team Canada athletes have been supported through this grant – gaining formal coaching education to complement their high-performance experience. With firsthand insight into the demands of high-performance sport, they bring valuable perspective to coaching and are well positioned to support the next generation.
The 2026 cohort reflects a wide range of sports, experiences and stages in their journey –united by a shared commitment to giving back, staying connected to sport, and continuing to grow within it.
2026 Coach Education Grant Recipients:
Competition-Development:
Alexander Elliot, Para Swimming
Amy Burk, Goalball
Audrey Rousseau, Gymnastics - Artistic
Claudia Laos Loo, Karate
Dylan Martin, Boxing
Emma Lunder, Biathlon
Jordan Stewart, Taekwondo
Kélian Quevillon, Speed Skating - Short Track
Kim Robitaille, Volleyball
Madeline (Maddy) Price, Athletics
Melanie Labelle, Wheelchair Rugby
Michelle Harrison, Athletics
Ngaire Barraclough, Cycling - Track
Robert Kemp, Beach Volleyball
Roman Sadovsky, Figure Skating
Ryan Clegg, Rowing
Sophiane Méthot, Gymnastics - Trampoline
Tara Llanes, Wheelchair Basketball
Toshka Besharah-Hrebacka, CanoeKayak - Sprint
Vicky Savard, Volleyball
About Game Plan: Game Plan is Canada’s holistic athlete-support network. Its nationwide team of world-class experts and specialized advisors empower national athletes with practical ways to live healthy, balanced, and personally successful lives at every stage of their journey. Game Plan’s growth-centred programs, structured services, and everyday resources are custom designed to support the total well-being of every individual athlete.
Established in 2015, Game Plan is a globally leading initiative which functions in collaboration with the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC), Sport Canada and the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute Network (COPSIN).
About the Coaching Association of Canada
The Coaching Association of Canada unites stakeholders and partners in its commitment to raising the skills and stature of coaches, and ultimately expanding their reach and influence. Through its programs, the CAC empowers coaches with knowledge and skills, promotes ethics, fosters positive attitudes, builds competence, and increases the credibility and recognition of coaches. For more information, please visit www.coach.ca, follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
