July 20, 2011
Long-time figure skating coach retires after 10 seasons, three OUA championships
KINGSTON, Ont. – Rhonda McKnight, one of Queen's longest serving head coaches, will be stepping down after 10 years at the helm of the figure skating program.
“Rhonda has given countless hours to Athletics & Recreation at Queen's and her expertise and dedication to the Figure Skating team will be missed. She has been an important contributor and we wish her all the best in the future,” said Jeff Downie, Manager, Recreation and Sports Clubs. “We believe some members of the coaching staff will return for next year, and we will begin a search immediately to find new leadership for the team."
McKnight began her tenure with the figure skating program in the 2001-02 season earning a second place finish in her first year. She would also earn her first of five OUA Coach of the Year honours that season.
During the 2003-04 season, McKnight would lead the Gaels to their first of three straight OUA Championship titles. She would also collect Coach of the Year honours in all three championship seasons with her final recognition coming in 2008-09 where the Gaels finished second.
Last year, Queen's placed third overall with first place individual OUA finishes coming from Martha Carruthers and Nicole Grenon in Senior Similar Pair, Renee Tse and Charlotte MacDonald in Intermediate Similar Pairs and Tse in Intermediate Free Skate.
Athletics and Recreation will begin a search for new leadership immediately. Interested candidates should e-mail Jeff Downie (jeff.downie@queensu.ca).
