NEW HEAD COACH for SLCC - James Hicks

"We are thrilled to introduce Coach James Hicks, the newest addition to our team as the Head Coach of Sydenham Lake Canoe Club. With a rich background in competitive canoeing and over 12 years of multi-sport coaching experience, combined with certification from the Ontario College of Teachers, James brings a high level of experience and dedication to our club.

Having grown up and paddled for the Carleton Place Canoe Club, and competed for both Carleton Place and Rideau, James's passion for paddling was instilled in him from a young age. He competed as a national-level canoeist, with achievements including appearances at the Ontario Summer Games, seven national championships, and representing Team Ontario with the support of Quest for Gold half card funding. Among his favorite memories from national competitions are winning the Junior Men’s War canoe race, securing a second-place finish in Junior Men’s C-2 500m, and earning 3rd place in Junior Men’s C-2 200m.

James holds a Master’s Degree in Teaching from OISE, and seamlessly blends athletic training with academic guidance. His coaching journey has taken him through various esteemed institutions, including Rideau Canoe Club, Carleton Place Canoe Club, and most recently as a program lead for TOP Sports in Toronto. He has been both coached by and worked alongside some of the finest coaches in Canada across multiple sports. In addition to his experience coaching the sport of Sprint Canoe/Kayak, James boasts a diverse coaching background, including coaching both lacrosse and hockey. James's coaching philosophy revolves around holistic athlete development, prioritizing the nurturing of individuals both on and off the water. He believes in fostering personal growth and instilling qualities such as confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of sport in his athletes. With a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, James utilizes elements such as scaffolding and universal design for learning to ensure every athlete feels empowered and supported.

We invite you to join us in welcoming Coach James as we embark on this exciting journey together towards success and personal growth for all our athletes."