The Douglas College Royals are turning to a familiar face to take over the vacant head coaching position of the women’s basketball team.
Steve Beauchamp returns to the Royals program after spending the past 11 seasons coaching senior girls hoops at Holy Cross Secondary in Surrey, picking up a number of provincial titles in the process.
“I am excited to have Steve join the Royals family and be part of the Pride,” Douglas College athletic manager Brian McLennon said in a statement. “With more than 20 years of coaching experience at the college and high school level, he brings a wealth of knowledge to our women’s basketball program and can hit the ground running.
“His strong connections within the Lower Mainland will contribute to a sustainable and successful program at Douglas College.”
Thirty years ago Beauchamp took over the Royals men’s basketball team’s program, serving as head coach until 1995. In that span he piloted the squad to five provincial championships, and in 1994 guided them to a second-place finish at the nationals.
He’s excited to be returning to familiar ground – albeit with a new group to coach.
“I am so impressed by the athletics department at Douglas and how they place a focus on connecting with the outside community,” Beauchamp said. “I am also impressed by all the support that is given to the athletics programs. Whether it is other athletes, students or faculty, they are in the stands cheering.”
The incoming coach enters a situation where he is well-versed – wife Wendy Beauchamp is a member of the Douglas women’s basketball alumni, and youngest daughter Rachel will be entering her junior year, in 2016-17, as a starting forward with the squad.
Other possible returnees include New Westminster natives Domunique Booker and Jettie McLaughlin.
Last season, Douglas College posted an imposing 18-3 record during the regular season – one-game back of first-place Vancouver Island – but were upset at the provincials. They finished fourth on the heels of a 60-55 loss to the Quest Kermodes.
Coach Courtney Gerwing resigned at the end of the season to pursue other aspirations.
In her brief two-year tenure with the program, the Port Coquitlam native earned the PacWest 2016 Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year award, and led the team to back-to-back silver medals.
