Brock University’s wrestling program is celebrating yet another milestone as alumna and Olympian Hannah Taylor (BSM ’21) returns to her alma mater, this time as an apprentice coach.

Taylor, who recently finished fifth in the 57-kilogram weight class at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has been selected as one of 18 participants in the 2024 U SPORTS Female Apprentice Coach Program, funded through Sport Canada.

She will be working alongside her former coach, the highly-decorated Marty Calder, who has been a cornerstone of Brock’s wrestling success for over two decades. Calder and fellow Brock coach Dave Collie recently returned from Paris, where they served as coaches with the Canadian Wrestling Olympic Team.

The U SPORTS Female Apprentice Coach Program, now in its fourth year, aims to increase the representation of women coaches across Canadian universities. Taylor’s selection not only marks a significant personal achievement but also a full-circle moment, returning her to the institution where she honed her skills under Calder’s mentorship.

Reflecting on her new role, Taylor expressed her excitement and gratitude.

“I’m incredibly honoured to return to Brock University and work alongside head coach Marty Calder, whose guidance has shaped my career both on and off the mat,” she said. “Participating in the Olympics was a dream come true, and now, being part of the Female Apprentice Coach Program, I have the opportunity to give back to the next generation of athletes. I can’t wait to help our student-athletes reach their full potential and achieve their own dreams.”

As part of the U SPORTS program, Taylor will not only assist in coaching Brock’s varsity wrestling teams but also participate in professional development courses designed to enhance her coaching skills. The program emphasizes the importance of mentorship and aims to equip its participants with the tools they need to succeed in coaching roles.

Taylor’s wrestling journey is nothing short of inspiring.

Hailing from Summerside, P.E.I., she has been in Canada’s national wrestling system since 2019, claiming nine national championships and earning two bronze medals at the Under-23 World Wrestling Championships. During her time at Brock, she won four Ontario University Athletics (OUA) gold medals, three U SPORTS gold medals and was named U SPORTS Rookie of the Year in 2017.

For Calder, Taylor’s return to Brock as a coach is a testament to her dedication and leadership.

“Hannah has always been a standout both on the mat and as a leader. Watching her develop into an Olympic athlete was incredibly rewarding, and now seeing her step into a coaching role is just as exciting,” Calder said. “Her experience at the highest level of competition, combined with her passion for the sport, makes her an invaluable asset to our program.”

Calder, a two-time Olympian himself, has been a pivotal figure in the development of Canadian wrestling.

His coaching career, marked by numerous accolades, including 33 Coach of the Year honours, has been instrumental in establishing Brock as a wrestling powerhouse. Calder’s influence extends beyond the University, as he has also coached several Olympic medallists and world champions on the international stage.