A coach at Lambton College is up for another prestigious award after previously being named the 2023 Ontario Colleges Athletic Association's (OCAA) Women's Basketball Coach of the Year.
Janine Day, coach of the Lambton Lions women's basketball team, was celebrated earlier this month during an awards banquet in Welland.
She was also awarded the OCAA West Division Women's Basketball Coach of the Year award.
Lambton College said Day has helped establish the Lions as one of the top women's basketball programs across the Canadian Collegiate Athletics Association (CCAA).
“Lambton College is thrilled to see her honored with this award,” said Associate Vice President of Student Success Kurtis Gray. “Her commitment to excellence both on and off the court has set a high standard for our Women’s Basketball Program, and this award is a reflection of her tireless efforts year-round.”
The Lions recently earned silver at the provincial championship. Day said she saw a real improvement over the course of the season.
"They got a taste for the silver medal. I think those returning players for next year are excited to try and reach that gold medal," said Day. "But keeping in perspective that it's one game at a time."
This year marks Day's second full season with the team as she was hired by the college in 2021.
Day said she's noticed a change in the level of play, adding women's sports in general have grown over the years.
"I've seen a big rise in the level of play at the college," she said. "I think years ago, it was kind of a lesser league than maybe the university league. But I think now, with the programs that the colleges are offering, you're getting more students attending college and that's bringing up the level of play for both the men's and women's sides.
Day was born and raised in Sarnia. She has coached various leagues in different parts of the country and has been a long-time coach at Wallaceburg District Secondary School.
Day is one of five nominees for the 2023 CCAA's Women's Basketball Coach of the Year award.
The CCAA awards banquet will be held on March 14.
With files from Colin Gowdy