GREEN SIGNS MULTI-YEAR DEAL AS THUNDERWOLVES WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL HEAD COACH
Green was hired on an interim basis this past season and made an immediate impact. Although the Wolves finished out of the playoffs, they made great strides at the end of the season and under Green's leadership look to become a playoff contender.
Green said he is looking forward to the opportunity.
"Today is an awesome day for my family and I. Lakehead University has committed to retooling its program to become competitive at the OUA and CIS level. After many years with the men's national team, it is time to bring that international experience under great coaches back and contribute to Canada at the university level with all of our coaches who work in the CIS."
"I am honoured to be working at Lakehead. This contract allows us to begin a process of making us competitive; a process where hard work and commitment will pay off. We have dedicated coaches and athletes here. All athletes know they have great academic choices here at Lakehead University. Athletes locally need to know they have an institution to come and develop in and to compete against the rest of the country. Players from across the country know they have another program dedicating itself to global development and a competitive environment."
Green brings a wealth of national and international volleyball coaching experience and has coached for 23 years, including experience as head coach of the Canadian national men's 'B' team, assistant coach for the Canadian national men's team, and presently head coach of the Canadian men's national junior team in addition to his Lakehead duties.
Warden said he believes Green is leading Wolves Volleyball in the right direction.
"Chris's services are secured for multiple years giving needed stability to Lakehead women's volleyball. His coaching expertise has already made its mark and his knowledge will lead the program to where it needs to be."
Green said there is a lot of work to do to make the Wolves a competitive program.
"Kathy Cloutier left us a good base to work with. I appreciate her dedication to this program, still offering to help out where she can. I am fortunate to have Chuck Badanai and Jennifer McKenzie, both who have roots here and have the same philosophy's that I hold. We care about a larger base of development and an academic environment. I have seen a rise in interest in the local community to advance this world-class sport. This sport has so much to offer for our athletes, and our university has so much to offer to all athletes. I am honoured to take on this challenge and look forward to working with our current and future athletes for the benefit of our community. I want to thank Tom Warden for his efforts and clarity."
Green, who has coached with the men's national program for six plus years, will finish his commitment with the Canadian men's junior national team as head coach when he travels to the junior World Championships taking place this summer in Pune, India from July 31 to August 9.
Source: Lakehead Thunderwolves
Photo Credit: Mike Lavoie