Longtime Tommies' head coach Don McKay has been awarded his first ever ACAA Coach of the Year award after leading the Tommies to an impeccable 14-4 record - tied for best in the ACAA with the Mount Saint Vincent University Mystics. STU's record also included a 12 game winning streak in the middle of the season, running from November to February.

"I am so pleased to see Don recognized by his peers for his tremendous efforts and the success of the program," said STU Athletics Director Michael Eagles. "Don works very hard to give his players the best experience at the highest level.  The results of his efforts will be fondly remembered by all of his players."

McKay started coaching the Tommies in 2013 - wrapping up his tenth season at the helm of the Tommies Women's Volleyball program. McKay improved the teams record this year from a 9-5 record with a 0.643 winning percentage to a 14-4 record with a 0.778 win percentage. 

Carys Storey, the Tommies' assistant coach, couldn't be happier for McKay, she said.

"I have coached with Don McKay for eight years and was also coached by him back in my younger years. To say Don leads by example is an understatement.  He is kind, compassionate and calm.  He always goes above and beyond for the girls on his team," she said. "He understands that although we are coaching a sport we are helping to develop adults so he treats them with respect and supports them to over come challenges. Don embodies everything a university coach should be and more."

McKay and the Tommies will compete for their first ACAA title since 2008 in Halifax this weekend.