Dr. Gene Ouellette stepping down after ten years as Head Coach of Women’s Soccer

(SACKVILLE, NB) — After ten years as head coach of Mount Allison's varsity women's soccer team, Dr. Gene Ouellette is stepping down at the end of the year. Ouellette assumed the role in 2014, succeeding Kevin Johnson after a year as assistant coach.

 "As I reflect back on the past decade, I'm left with a multitude of memories — from on and off the pitch," says Ouellette. "I am grateful to have had the opportunity to witness and be part of the growth of young student-athletes as individuals, as well as the growth of the program itself, with increased competitiveness and success both on the pitch and in the mindset of the players. It's something that I am proud to have been a part of."

 A former university and Nova Scotia premier league soccer player, Ouellette brought a wealth of experience to the Mounties. Under his guidance, six players earned spots on AUS All-Star teams. In the 2021-2022 season, after working to maintain the soccer program throughout the COVID shutdown the previous year, he led the team to the AUS playoffs, marking their first appearance since 2013.

 Ouellette held the unique double role of head coach of a varsity program and faculty member at Mount Allison, serving as professor and department head in psychology. Though he says juggling the two roles has not been easy, he believes that they are complimentary in many ways. He integrated psychological theories and practices into his coaching, prioritized team cohesion, shared goals and value setting, and on the academic side developed a course on sport psychology.

 "I often felt as if I had two full time jobs in the fall and didn't have the time to do either one as well as I would like," says Ouellette. "In the end, it just wasn't sustainable, and I step away from this coaching position with a host of mixed emotions. As I pass the torch to someone who can devote the time and energy needed to continue to grow our program, I will certainly miss my role as "coach"."

 Director of Athletics and Recreation Jacques Bellefleur says Ouellette's contributions to the team went well beyond the pitch.

 "Gene has been a driving force behind the success of our women's soccer team as a coach and a mentor. His mentorship extended beyond the women's soccer team as he would always make himself available to other varsity coaches. We thank him for his decade of leadership and wish him well."

 A search for a new head coach is underway.