OSHAWA, Ont. –  Chante Clarke is wrapping up her time as a member of the 2024 U SPORTS Female Apprenticeship Coach Program, where she joined the Ontario Tech women's basketball coaching staff.

The program aims to increase the number of females in coaching across Canadian universities by matching apprentice coaches who recently graduated with a head coach in a U SPORTS-sanctioned sport. Participants in the program became members of the coaching staff where possible and provided feedback to colleagues and student-athletes while participating in team activities. Each apprentice coach also had the opportunity to take professional development courses and seminars in the coaching field. 

Clarke joined the team in August 2024 and says she had a great experience in the program under her mentor, Megan Grant.

"My experience in the program was good overall. I appreciate my mentor coach for allowing me to be a part of this program," said Clarke. "It helped me to learn more through professional development, as well as get compensated more, and I'm grateful for the opportunity."

Clarke says the most important thing she's taking away from this program is the importance of catering practices to your athletes' development and skill level and the psychological aspect of coaching and playing a sport.

She has some big aspirations, and the program has helped Clarke get one step closer to realizing her dream of becoming a head coach in Canada.

"In the short term, the next steps are to head coach at the college level. In the long term, I would like to get involved in coaching with Canada Basketball," said Clarke.