Betty Calic named 2024-25 OCAA Coach of the Year

HAMILTON, Ont. – Mohawk Mountaineers curling head coach Betty Calic has been named the recipient of the 2024-25 OCAA Coach of the Year award. This prestigious honor, presented annually to the top coach in the conference, marks the third time the award has been given and makes Calic the first Mohawk head coach to receive the recognition.

Calic led the Mohawk men's curling team to its fourth consecutive OCAA Championship, and after falling short of a national title in the past two years, the Mountaineers broke through to claim the 2025 CCAA Championship – the program's first-ever national gold. The Mohawk men's team also enjoyed success against U Sports opponents, finishing a perfect 8-0 in exhibition play.

Additionally, Calic, with the help of assistant coaches India Jackson and Autumn Jackson, guided the Mohawk women's team to an OCAA bronze medal, while the mixed doubles team finished fourth at the provincial championship.

"I am truly humbled and honoured to receive this award," said Calic. "This season has been a journey of resilience, growth, and teamwork. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my players for their dedication and hard work, my fellow coaches, my curling family, and the Mohawk Athletic Department for their unwavering support and being instrumental in my success."

Now in her 14^th year as the program's head coach, Calic also earned her fourth consecutive OCAA Men's Curling Coach of the Year award this season.

"This award is a testament to Betty's hard work, dedication, resiliency, and commitment – not only to developing our athletes, but also to fostering a culture of excellence," said Matthew Ferreira, Director of Athletics and Recreation. "Winning four consecutive OCAA championships, and now a national championship, is no small feat. This recognition highlights the incredible impact Betty has had on the curling program."

Under Calic's leadership, several Mountaineer student-athletes earned individual accolades this season. Jacob Jones (Brantford, Ont.) won his fourth straight OCAA Men's Curling Championship MVP. Jones, along with his teammates Eric Just (Ancaster, Ont.), Jarrett Matthews (Waterdown, Ont.), and Joel Matthews (Waterdown, Ont.), were all named OCAA and CCAA Championship First Team All-Stars. Natalie Scholtens (Hamilton, Ont.) was named an OCAA Championship Second Team All-Star, and the women's team also earned the OCAA Vern Dow Fair Play Award.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Satbir Singh
Sports Information, Media & Marketing Coordinator
satbir.sing6@mohawkcollege.ca

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Players Mentioned

#41 Eric Just: Second; 6' 0"; Senior

#44 Joel Matthews: Vice; 6' 1"; Junior

#54 Jacob Jones: Skip; 5' 5"; Senior

#9 Jarrett Matthews: Lead; 6' 0"; Sophomore

#11 Natalie Scholtens: Lead; 5' 8"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#41 Eric Just
: 6' 0"; Senior
: Second

#44 Joel Matthews
: 6' 1"; Junior
: Vice

#54 Jacob Jones
: 5' 5"; Senior
: Skip

#9 Jarrett Matthews
: 6' 0"; Sophomore
: Lead

#11 Natalie Scholtens
: 5' 8"; Sophomore
: Lead