OSHAWA, Ont. – Success for the Ontario Tech lacrosse program extended well beyond the turf this past year, as several student-athletes made a meaningful impact in the community by coaching the next generation of players to championship seasons.
 
For Ridgebacks head coach Liane Chornobay, that impact is just as important as any result in the standings.
 
"It's inspiring – seeing athletes give back reminds me the true win is how much they value the game and want to inspire the next generation," said Chornobay.
 
Across Ontario, Ridgebacks stepped behind the bench and helped guide minor lacrosse teams to podium finishes, reinforcing the leadership-driven culture within the program.
 
Olivia Toll coached the Lady Blue Knights U15 Elite team to the OWFL U15 A Championship, leading her squad through a competitive season that culminated in a gold medal performance. Her ability to connect with and develop young athletes played a key role in the team's rise to the top of the division.
 
Catherine Fisher also captured a provincial title, guiding the Mimico Mountaineers U19-1 team to the OWFL U19 B Division Championship. Her team delivered an 11-5 victory over Newmarket in the final, capping a dominant playoff run and showcasing the structure and confidence she instilled behind the bench.
 
Meanwhile, Hunter Stolarek assisted the Lady Blue Knights U13 Competitive team to a silver medal in the OWFL U13 C division. Competing against strong programs from across the province, her group demonstrated resilience and growth throughout the season, earning a spot on the podium and valuable competitive experience. Stolarek also served as the Lead Camp Counsellor for the return of the Lady Blue Knights Summer Camp, inspiring the next generation and supporting the foundation of the game locally. 
 
In addition to the championship success, Grace Mubiala contributed at the grassroots level, coaching within the Lady Blue Knights U13 house league program. Working with young athletes at the introductory stages of the sport, Mubiala helped create a positive and supportive environment focused on skill development, confidence-building and a love for the game. Her involvement highlights the program's commitment not only to elite competition, but to strengthening the foundation of lacrosse in the community.
 
Fellow teammate Danika Passmore continued the community involvement as a Assistant Camp Counsellor with the Lady Blue Knights Summer Camp, and umpired for Lady Blue Knights house league program. Through her roles as assistant coach and umpire, Passmore promoted fair play and encouraged young athletes as they learned the game.
 
Chornobay believes the lessons learned through coaching extend far beyond tactics and game plans, directly shaping their development as varsity athletes and future leaders.
 
"Coaching develops leadership, resilience, and communication skills. Those lessons will carry over into every part of their lives, not only lacrosse," she said. "It is at the heart of what we do – community involvement helps give back to the sport we love and shapes well-rounded leaders, not just great student-athletes."