The basketball program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University will have a pair of new head coaches when the 2011-12 season tips-off in September.
Stefon Wilson of Detroit was named the head coach of the Kwantlen Eagles men’s team last month, while Dan Nayebzadeh of White Rock will fill the same role for the women’s squad.
Both teams struggled last season, with the men tied for last place in the B.C. Colleges Athletic Association (BCCAA) with a 1-17 (won-lost) record while the women went 4-14 to place eighth in their 10-team league.
Wilson spent last season as an assistant coach at Simon Fraser University, and is pursuing a Masters degree in Sport Administration with a major in Coaching Theory and Strategy.
“I’m so excited and thankful for this wonderful opportunity,” said Wilson. “I am truly looking forward to being part of an organization that thrives on scholarship, community, mentorship and stewardship. I value winning in every aspect of life and I plan on instilling those same values in my team both on and off the court.”
Wilson is a graduate of Algoma University in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. He played three seasons with the Thunderbirds, earning Rookie of the Year honours in his first season and serving as team captain for the next two. He volunteered at several summer basketball camps and also acted as the assistant coach at Sir James Dunn High School for the 2007-08 season.
“We are excited to have Stefon join the Eagles family,” said Elise Le Brun, director of athletics and recreation. “Our committee had a very difficult decision because there were a number of great candidates, but Stefon emerged as the clear choice.”
Nayebzadeh was announced coach of the women’s team Monday morning. He holds a Bachelor of Human Kinetics, Physical Education Degree from the University of British Columbia, and is a certified NCCP (National Coaching Certification Program) Level 3 coach.
His coaching career began with the Sutherland Sabres high school team, where he had a 200-40 (won-lost) record with the the senior girls’ basketball team.
More recently, Nayebzadeh has served as an assistant coach with the Langley-based B.C. Titans professional team, was selected the provincial under-16 head coach by the Basketball BC Elite Development Program, and has assisted the Canadian National team coaches, Allison and Mike McNeill, at the Canadian Centre for Performance and Regional Training Centre.
Until accepting the Kwantlen Eagles position, Nayebzadeh was an assistant coach with the Simon Fraser University women’s team, a squad which won two national titles between 2008-10.
“Dan is an experienced coach who brings a well-educated approach to the Eagles’ program,” said Le Brun. “He has worked with and learned from a long list of accomplished coaches, which will serve him well in this position.”
The Kwantlen Eagles women’s program is hosting an identification camp for players in Grade 11 and older on Sunday, April 17 at 2 p.m. at Kwantlen’s Surrey campus.