Carole Holt is stepping down after eight years at the helm of NAIT’s women’s soccer program. Holt leaves on a high note having captured a provincial championship and the ACAC North Coach of the Year award.
“I’m really proud of what we’ve done, it’s gone by really fast. There’s been some great athletes I’ve had a chance to work with. We have a really good coaching staff here so I certainly didn’t do it on my own. I just can’t believe it’s gone by so quickly,” Holt said.
Holt’s Achievements
In eight years as Ooks head coach, Holt amassed a regular season record of 75-5-2. In that time, the Ooks have won six provincial championships, two national silver medals and one national bronze. The team has produced one ACAC rookie of the year, nine CCAA all-Canadians and six Player of the Year award winners. Her peers have voted her as a top coach many times. Holt won ACAC Coach of the Year four times and CCAA National Coach of the Year once.
“Taking over the program, I inherited a really good group of people. I think that along the way, learning more about NAIT and the programs here, I could be more strategic with recruiting. I made sure the players who came here were here for school. Pairing that with the soccer experience, they did the work on their own. Getting the right players in the right programs was huge,” Holt said.
Life Beyond the Program
While Holt won’t be on the soccer field for the Ooks next year, she will remain at NAIT as Recreation Manager. Soccer will still be a big part of Holt’s life as she will coach her daughter’s U-14 club team. She’ll also coach for the Alberta Soccer Associations’ Regional EXCEL program.
“I am really excited about working with both groups of players. I want to help develop the next generation of players here in Alberta and help prepare them for their post-secondary or national team careers,” said Holt.
NAIT says there is no timeline for finding Holt’s replacement.
