Shane Sowden will be stepping down as head coach of the Briercrest College Women’s Basketball program at the end of the 2010-11 season. Sowden has accepted an increased role with Caronport High School, which will commence in the fall of 2011.

Coach Sowden has been doing a great job, carrying a full load both as a college coach and also as a teacher and athletic director for Caronport High School. However, the time has come for Sowden to focus on one aspect of his job, as he feels like neither is getting the best of him.

The departure from collegiate coaching is not an easy one for Sowden.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my four years coaching the women’s basketball team at Briercrest. I have had the privilege to coach a wonderful group of young women over the past few years which has made this an extremely difficult decision to make in stepping down.  I will miss working with the girls very much and wish them all the best in the future.”

This is Sowden’s fourth season with Briercrest and he has worked hard to develop the program in all aspects. He feels the timing was right for a change and that the program is in a good position for the transition.

“I believe the program is now much healthier than it was four years ago so that the new coach is walking into a position with a solid foundation to keep the program moving forward.”

Briercrest College and Seminary Athletic Director, Stan Peters, agrees.

“The program’s infrastructure is solid and is ready for the next coach to come in and continue to build off of Shane’s work,” said Peters. “There has been progress made in all aspects that have positioned the program to be ready to move forward, including the recruitment of new players, continual fund development efforts, and perks that the program has to offer, such as a newly refinished team room. . . . These are all things that Coach Sowden has worked hard to develop in the program and that many will benefit from in the future.”

Sowden will be taking on a larger leadership role in the high school, as he looks to continue to develop the high school athletic department as CHS Athletic Director, and will be able to be more involved in the overall direction of the high school.  

“The high school is fortunate to have Shane spending more focused time there,” said Peters. “His efforts with the women’s basketball program are greatly appreciated and won’t be forgotten.”

Sowden is grateful for the experience he has had with the women’s basketball program at Briercrest.

“I am thankful to Kyle Matthies and Nigel Mullan who four years ago gave me the opportunity to coach at the college level.  I would like to thank my family and all of the players, parents and faithful alumni who supported the program over the past four years with their time, prayers and resources.”