UPEI announces Mark English as new women’s basketball coach

The University of Prince Edward Island announced today that Mark English has accepted the position of head coach of the UPEI Women's Basketball program, effective immediately.

English, who holds Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees from Memorial University, has an extensive basketball background. He was most recently the assistant coach of the men's basketball team at Lakehead University and was their chief recruiting officer. While English was at Lakehead, the team had four consecutive appearances in the CIS nationals. He is also the director of Blaze Basketball, the local club program in Thunder Bay.

Previously, English was the coordinator and lead instructor of Memorial University's basketball camps and assistant coach with the men's basketball team. He has been both a head coach and an assistant coach with numerous Newfoundland provincial teams.

UPEI Vice-President Administration and Finance Jackie Podger said, 'On behalf of the University, I extend a warm welcome to Mr. English. Mark brings with him significant experience, a proven track record of success, and a wide range of connections that will help him recruit top-notch student athletes to the program. We know he will inspire and lead our women's basketball team to new heights.'

English said, 'I am extremely excited to have this opportunity to coach this talented group of young women and cannot wait to get started. It's obviously late in the process, but we will get organized and on the court as quickly as possible.'

Podger added, 'I also would like to sincerely thank all of those who applied for the position as well as the community members and alumni on the volunteer selection committee, George Morrison, SDU'68, Doug Newson, BBA'97, and Heather Howatt, BBA'91 along with chair Stephanie Knickle-Currie for their time and effort given to the hiring process.'

Over twenty people applied for the position with candidates shortlisted based on several criteria including coaching credentials, proficiency in fundraising and recruiting, and coaching experience at the university level.

English will be arriving on Prince Edward Island next week.