Alumni Coaching a New Greenwood Generation

Part of what makes Greenwood’s community great is that our alumni continue to stay in touch with and contribute to the school. Callie Bowman ‘09 teaches Grade 7 and 8 mathematics at Greenwood, but also spent her time coaching our Junior Girls’ Volleyball team for this winter season alongside fellow Greenwood teacher Zoe Sedlak. Callie also earned a banner while playing as a student athlete on the  Girls’ Volleyball team. 

Meanwhile, Geoff Roberts ‘13 currently works in real estate and volunteered in his free time to coach our Junior Boys’ Basketball team along with another external volunteer, Pat Graham, and Greenwood teacher Katie Song. Geoff was also named Senior Male Athlete of the Year in his graduating year here at Greenwood. 

It is deeply rewarding to see two alumni coach their respective teams to the CISAA championships and win at home court. These were the first championships with spectators in attendance since 2019! 

Here’s what Callie, Geoff and Pat had to say about their experiences.  

“Coaching the Junior Girls' Volleyball team this season was a fantastic experience. Despite the challenges we faced due to COVID, we managed to really come together as a team in a very short time to win the championship,” Callie says of the victory. “Being able to win a banner for Greenwood as both a student and a coach is incredibly rewarding and makes me want to continue to coach more and more and help others experience that feeling of Grizzly pride! I am already looking forward to next season to see what this incredibly talented group of athletes will accomplish!”

“When I was offered a chance to coach Greenwood basketball, I accepted without hesitation,” says Geoff. “I was grateful for the opportunity to coach such a fantastic group of guys who made Pat and me look good during our rookie season. Despite the stops and starts throughout the season due to COVID-19, everybody stayed extremely invested which ultimately paid off in the end with a fresh banner up in the Grizzly Den!”

“It was a true honour coaching the Junior Boys’ Basketball team this year,” says Pat. “Watching the players grow into a team and show true character in the face of adversity was a highlight for both Geoff and me. They are a great group of young men who look out for each other and support one another which made the experience that much more enjoyable. Both practices and games were always highlights of my week!”