COACHING IMPACT AWARDS

Each year, Softball Canada honours various members of the softball community who have contributed to the development and promotion of the sport as coaches. New in 2026, the following awards will seek to recognize individuals across the coaching pathway by acknowledging excellence in recreational coaching, competitive coaching, and coach development.

Award categories include:

• Softball Canada x Home Run Sports Recreational Coaching Impact Award
• Softball Canada x Home Run Sports Competitive Coaching Impact Award
• Softball Canada x Home Run Sports Coach Developer Impact Award

Nominees should:

• Be members in good standing.
• Be actively coaching during the nomination year.
• Meet minimum NCCP requirements appropriate to their coaching context.
• Demonstrate adherence to the organization's Code of Conduct and Safe Sport policies.
• Not be under disciplinary sanction during the award year.

Recreational Coach

• Active recreational coach.
• Minimum NCCP Community Sport training (or equivalent pathway).
• Minimum one season of coaching.

Competitive Coach

• Active competitive coach.
• Appropriate NCCP Competition training and/or certification.
• Minimum two seasons coaching competitive softball.

Coach Developer

• Active Coach Developer
• Master Coach Developer, Learning Facilitator, and/or Coach Evaluator
• Demonstrated contribution during the nomination year.

To nominate a coach any of these awards, please follow the appropriate links. Self-nominations will not be accepted. 

Niominations will close November 1st, 2026.

2025 HOME RUN SPORTS COACH OF THE YEAR 

Marc-André Villeneuve (QC) exemplifies what it means to be a true leader, mentor, and ambassador for the game. A former elite athlete and member of Canada’s Junior National Team, Marc-André brings both experience and integrity to his role as head coach. His calm and consistent approach has fostered a culture of mutual respect within his team — one grounded in collaboration, fairness, and sportsmanship.

Under his leadership, Québec’s U20 team achieved remarkable success, earning a silver medal at the Canada Games (matching Québec’s best result since 1989), back-to-back bronze medals at the U20 Canadian Championships in 2024 and 2025. His tactical preparation, attention to mental readiness, and thoughtful pitcher management have allowed his athletes to compete confidently against older and more experienced opponents.

In 2025, Marc-André completed his NCCP Competition–Development certification and additional multisport modules in performance psychology, leadership, and conflict management — a testament to his dedication to continuous learning and professional growth.

Known for his collaborative leadership, he values the strengths of his assistants and invests in preparing athletes for higher levels of play, helping to ensure a strong future for Québec softball.

Respected by athletes, peers, and opponents alike, Marc-André Villeneuve truly embodies the spirit of sportsmanship and the ongoing pursuit of excellence — qualities that make him a most deserving recipient of the Coach of the Year award.

PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS

The following are former recipients of the Home Run Sports Coach of the Year Award.