Women’s Hockey
TOP 10 TUESDAY: Laval, Calgary open at No.1 in volleyball
U SPORTS sits down with one key athlete, coach, and staff member of each U SPORTS athletic program in our interview series “Getting to know…”
- Name: Deanna Iwanicka
- School: University of Windsor
- Sport: Women’s hockey
- Position: Head coach
- Seniority: First season
- Previous school/position: Head coach, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
- Hometown: Calmar, Alberta
1. How did you first get involved in coaching? What was your path to your position as head coach of the University of Windsor?
I started coaching when I was about 12 years old, with youth soccer and then minor hockey. From there I continued with volleyball at my high school / junior high school and more hockey. I started on the male side with hockey, but after high school I got involved with female spring hockey and eventually regular season coaching.
Beyond the spring hockey and minor hockey club teams, I was also involved with Hockey Alberta, coaching at provincial camps and eventually the U18 provincial team.
After graduating from the U of A in 2007, I was hired at NAIT as the head coach. I spent the last 10 years coaching that post-secondary program, competing in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC). Similarly, I was the first full-time coach for the program - it was a building process.
2. Who are the people that have influenced you most as a coach?
My family, supporting me on a constant basis, and giving me the values I use everyday as a coach.
Howie Draper, head coach of the Alberta Pandas.
Linda Henderson, former athletic director at NAIT, now at Old college. She hired me at NAIT, took a chance on me as a young female coach and supported me through the building process.
3. How would you describe your coaching style?
I see myself as more of a mentor or life coach. I believe sport is simply a model of real life and there are so many parallel skills and experiences. really want to provide a unique and unforgettable life experience to the student- athletes. I want them to graduate as better athletes and most of all people. I want the student- athlete to feel ready and confident to face life after university.
I believe winning is the result of the process. My focus is on the process, the how and the details. To summarize this, I often use the motto, BEST: Better Every Single Time. If we can improve, we have no limit to success.
4. Which coach do you admire the most, and why?
Minor hockey coaches, assistant coaches, support staff - the volunteers of this game as vital. I give them so much credit for their passion and dedication.
Since arriving in Windsor, I have had the chance to meet many new coaches, I am appreciative of the supportive culture within the department.
5. What is the most “out-of-the-box” thing you’ve done as a coach?
These are the secrets to coaching.
I have been called crazy more than a few times. Pulling a goalie on a powerplay with six minutes left in a game and down by two. Adjusting a leadership group partway through the season. Having the team complete a large amount of stairs as a team – to bring them together and show the value of synergy.
6. What is your greatest coaching moment or achievement?
Anytime an alumnus reaches out and says “Thank you, I am using what you taught me (in work or life).”
7. What’s the best advice you can give to an athlete and/or athlete’s parents?
Athlete: Be your advocate. You must know what you bring, and you must place value in what you have and bring. I can, and I will, must be part of your everyday. Take responsibility for your opportunities, create them for yourself.
Parent: Be a team, let the athlete be the driver while you help navigate when needed.
8. How have you changed as a coach over time? What principles/values, etc. have remained the same?
I think I change everyday as a coach, or at least I hope I do – getting better every single time. My general philosophy hasn’t changed, my values of improvement and good people and life lessons remain the same, I just think how I do things continues to change as my tool box grows.
9. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not in coaching mode?
When?! Just kidding.
Being active (mountain biking, hiking) and being outdoors (camping). Spending time with family and friends.
10. What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you as a coach?
There was a time the crotch of my pants split on the bench and I knelt to talk to a player.
I did take a puck to the forehead one game and finished with a large goose-egg.