The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) is proud to announce former Douglas Royals captain and All-Canadian Sam Kell will participate in the annual Female Apprentice Coach Program for the sport of Soccer.
Just a few weeks after Chris Laxton took over the coaching duties at Douglas College in 2014, Samantha Kell joined the team as a rookie. The Royals Women’s Soccer program hasn’t been the same since.
While Kell’s five-year collegiate career came to an end last fall, the former team captain will rejoin the team this season as an apprentice under her former coach.
“Both Sam and Coach Laxton are excited at the opportunity to build the capacity of female coaches in the sport of soccer and continue the legacy of Royal female apprentice coaches developed at Douglas through the CCAA Female Apprentice Coach Program,” said Brian McLennon, Associate Director, Athletics at Douglas College.
After earning a bronze medal at the PACWEST Championships in 2014, the Royals earned their first conference title in 2015 and qualified for their first CCAA National Championship.
Douglas placed fourth at Nationals in 2015 before earning its first CCAA podium finish in 2016 with a bronze medal. After a third straight appearance at Nationals in 2017, the Royals hosted the 2018 CCAA Women’s Soccer National Championship.
“Since Chris has arrived, the College has seen a complete turn-around from the Women’s Soccer program and I am so honoured to have been a part of that success,” said Kell, who captained the Royals in her final three seasons.
Kell was the ultimate team player at Douglas, doing everything asked of her – she played every position for the team, including goaltender in 2015.
“I believe my diversity as an athlete will allow me to help the players no matter what position they are in,” said Kell.
For Kell, leadership has always been a natural characteristic of hers and she is excited to get the opportunity to continue refining her abilities with this role at Douglas.
“There are so many little moments in sport that can change someone’s life and I am really looking forward to being able to do just that as a coach,” said Kell.
The Royals are committed to developing female leaders and see them grow within the community.
“It is also important to me, as a coach of female players and a father of a daughter, that we have more female role models in our community and elite coaching ranks,” said Laxton. “This is a great opportunity to continue to inspire more female athletes through this program and for Sam to give back to the program and the community.”
Sam discusses the program with Ryan Watters
