2010 15U/16U MALE COACH OF THE YEAR

Twice a week Mark Maris hits the road for the 2-hour drive from Edson to Edmonton- an act that is definitely appreciated by his athletes & parents’ group. Mark “has done everything a parent wants when we register our kids for sport”. He “treats his players with respect and in return his players show him a lot of respect.” 

A member of the Red Deer College Kings Men’s Volleyball team from 1983-1986, Mark also played for the Junior National team in that same time period.  He is still actively involved as an athlete, participating as a Masters’ athlete when time permits.  In 2005, his Masters’ team earned a Silver medal at the World Masters Games. Mark has over 20 years of coaching experience and has coached at all levels including Senior High School, Junior Varsity, Junior High, 16U, 14U, 13U, and Mini-Volleyball.  

In the last four years, Mark’s teams have won four Provincial Championship Titles, 2 Bronze Medals at the 14U Canadian Open (2007 & 2009), and the 15U Men’s Canadian Open Division 1 Banner in 2010. Mark has also volunteered his time to coach the last three cycles of the Alberta Winter Games; leading his Zone 5 team to three podium finishes- one Silver (2006) and two Gold medals (2008 and 2010)

“Mark demands not only a hard work ethic at practices and tournaments, but he also teaches outstanding sportsmanship and responsibility,” commented a parent of one of Mark’s athletes. 

Mark is considered a “Wonderful mentor & role model” to his athletes.  He “does not tolerate anything less than full respect of the facilities that we stay in and play in.” Mark is a “firm father figure to (his team) in the best way, and it rubs off on the boys in a way that makes them as close as brothers.” 

Mark prides himself on his straight forward and transparent communication style- all of his athletes know what to expect from the start of their time with his program, “at the beginning of the year, all players get court time, as close to equal as possible- as the season progresses (Mark will) narrow down to his starters but will always play everyone whenever possible.”  This philosophy is followed through in every situation.  Every athlete contributed to their National Championship Banner - on day one of the competition, all athletes received equal playing time.   By day two, he still received contributions from every member of the team.  By day three, the starters had been selected and led them to victory. 

“Mark always gives the players choices and lets them chose the path that is right for them… he has created a team that wants to work hard and become successful.” This is a commendable feat that is the basis for his selection as the Tachikara Coach of the Year Award.