Eighteen participants from across Canada have been selected for the 2024 U SPORTS Female Apprentice Coach Program, funded through Sport Canada. Tessa Bulmer, lead assistant coach on the Tigers women’s volleyball team, is one of them.
Originally launched in the 2020-2021 school season, the U SPORTS Female Apprentice Coach Program aims to increase the number of females in coaching positions across Canadian universities. The program matches apprentice coaches who have recently graduated with a head coach in one of 12 U SPORTS-sanctioned sports for female-identifying student-athletes.
Bulmer was recently announced as the lead assistant coach for the Tigers women’s volleyball team after six years on the Tigers coaching staff. An accomplished U SPORTS athlete, she suited up for both the Tigers and Acadia Axewomen in her five-year career. A five-time academic all-Canadian, Bulmer received AUS all-rookie recognition during her time with the Axewomen.
More recently, Bulmer led the Tigers to a U SPORTS bronze medal in the 2022-23 season.
Making the most of mentorship
Mentoring Bulmer will be Tigers men’s volleyball head coach, Dan Ota. Entering his 26th season with the Tigers, Ota also coaches with Volleyball Canada in their NextGen team and led them to a second-place finish at the 2023 NORCECA Men’s Continental Championship.
This is the third time a Tiger has been selected as a member of this program. Previously Emily Clarke and Heather Beaton were selected.
All participants in the program will be a member of the coaching staff at their respective schools and, where possible, will provide feedback to colleagues as well as student-athletes, while taking part in team activities. Each apprentice coach also has the opportunity to also take professional development courses and seminars in the field of coaching — a minimum of 20 per cent of the allotted grant must be earmarked for professional development activities.