BC Games coach mentor profile: Simon Cass

Jan 17, 2020

Name: Simon Cass

Sport: Wheelchair Basketball

Hometown: Victoria, B.C.

Years as a coach: 8

 

How did you get into coaching?

I started coaching baseball and basketball as a teenager to help out old coaches I had as an athlete. I began coaching wheelchair basketball as part of a class assignment during my undergrad. I enjoyed it so much that I never stopped, and am proud to say it is now my chosen profession. 

 

What inspired you to be a mentor?coach Simon

Our sport has a lack of coaches, and we are lucky enough to have some dedicated newer coaches attending these games, including one specifically from Vancouver Island (my zone). The opportunity to help others continue to grow the game is one that I never look to pass up. Being a coach is inherently being a teacher, and the mentorship program seemed like a natural extension of that. 

 

What has been the most rewarding part of the program so far?

Getting the chance to work on my mentorship skills, as well as engaging our mentee coaches in some unique learning environments with the assistance of Canadian Sport Institute Pacific.

 

What are you looking forward to most at the BC Winter Games?

This will be my 4th BC Games as a coach. The best part is always getting the chance to give athletes their first multi-sport games experience.  The energy on the bus ride (or this year, the flight to Fort St. John) is always palpable and new. This usually peaks with the opportunity to get to walk into Opening Ceremonies, I guess I’m looking forward to a lot!  I haven’t even mentioned the basketball yet, which I am of course always looking forward to.

 

Read more about the Coach Mentorship Program and apply today!