Genuine, caring and the ability to create a team environment.
These are all characteristics that describe Nicole Poirier. Nicole has been the Head Coach of the Karate BC Team for the past 4 years and under her leadership the team has grown from a group of individual athletes to a team who supports each other in their pursuit of a common goal.
An accomplished karate athlete herself, Nicole has won the Canadian National Championships many times, is a former Pan American Champion, and won the 1995 Pan American Games in Mar del Plata, Argentina. Nicole has studied various styles of karate such as Shotokan, Chito-Ryu, Goju-Ryu and Shito-Ryu and she is currently studying Wado-Ryu.
In addition to her undisputed knowledge in technical development, childhood development, and high performance, her ability to understand her athletes’ needs and show them the support they need has made her an extremely successful coach.
“I have a holistic approach to my coaching for the development of body, mind and spirit. Humour and laughter is definitely part of the package when coaching,” says Nicole when asked to reflect upon her coaching style.
“My favourite thing about coaching is setting goals, training for competition, and evaluating the progress. I have my own karate club and children bring me so much joy in my day. I love seeing them growing up.”
Nicole’s impact on the BC Team over the last four years is evident. “It’s clear to see how much the BC team has grown through all of the hard work Nicole has put into both the athletes and the coaches,” states Karate BC Team member Derek Chan.
“As an athlete myself, I feel so lucky to have had Nicole lead the team. Thinking back to four competitive seasons ago, the way she was coaching us then compared to the level we are being coached now is night and day. Over the years, Nicole has been able to continually adapt our trainings to the level of our athletes to challenge the BC team and foster their growth and development. I believe it is her perseverance and vision for our team as a whole that has led the BC team to the success we have today.”
Sumi Uchiage, veteran of both the Karate BC Team and Karate Canada National Team has also benefited from working closely with Nicole. “I think most people will agree that Nicole has been able to establish a great team environment. The athletes work well together, while trying to keep each other motivated. This is a true reflection of the smooth team work and support provided by the coaching staff.”
“Nicole cares so much for the athletes on the team, as well as for the future development of the team. I’m sure the team will continue to strive forward with the base that she has created for us. I personally have known Nicole since I was very young, from when she used to train at Steveston Karate Club. I am grateful to have been able to know her as an athlete, and as a selfless, hardworking coach and friend. Best of luck to her in her new adventures!”
And it’s not just the athletes who have been impacted by Nicole’s drive for excellence and caring nature. Karate BC Team Coach and Manager Pam Ross reflects on her time spent working with Nicole as part of the BC Team. “This past year was a particularly great year for the BC Team. We earned the most medals out of all the other provinces and were extremely successful in the individual tournament awards. We won both the Male and Female Junior Athlete of the Year awards through Khyber Barnett and Shalene Lee, the Sportsmanship Award through William Wright and Nicole won Coach of the Year!”
“For me, Nicole has been one of my biggest inspirations. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work under her reign. She has fostered an environment of harmony amongst coaches, athletes and other supporters. She is a true leader! Nicole’s passion for karate has been shared by many in British Columbia and I am grateful to have been one of them. Thank you Nicole! Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. You truly will be missed but I wish you all the best and more.”
Dan Wallis, Executive Director of Karate BC is quick to point out depth of Nicole’s character and the impact that has had on the team. “Nicole was an assistant coach of the BC Team prior to becoming head coach 4 years ago and when she took over the team it was a team in name only. There were divided loyalties and factions on the squad and it is to Nicole’s credit that she has molded a cohesive unit that works so well together to support each other as well as to pursue their own individual dreams. Nicole has had to stand tall on a few occasions to bring athletes in line and it was those test cases that earned her the loyalty and support from fellow coaches, administrators, board members, athletes and their families. Nicole’s overall development as a coach has skyrocketed these past four years and Karate BC and the BC Team have greatly benefited with her as Head Coach.”
Under Nicole’s leadership the BC Team has achieved noteworthy results at the Karate Canada National Championships. Most recently finishing 2nd in the medals standing while winning the most number of medals at the 2015 National Championships held at the Richmond Olympic Oval this past January. BC athletes also make up a fifth of the Canadian Senior National Team and over a third of the under 21 roster. This is a significant contribution of athletes to the National program and a testament to Nicole’s ability as a coach.
Karate BC is extremely proud to have had Nicole as Head Coach over the last four years. She has provided exceptional leadership, skill development, and demonstrated the values of our organization. We wish Nicole all the best in her future endeavors and are looking forward to following her achievements as she continues to impact those around her.
