CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — A familiar face is taking over the Holland College Hurricanes women’s basketball team.
Chris Connolly is the new head coach after Jared Cheverie stepped down from the role last week for personal reasons.
Connolly, a Charlottetown native, was an assistant coach with the women’s Hurricanes for two seasons (2013-15) under his father Mike Connolly. During that time, the team claimed back-to-back Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) championships and attended the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) national championships, winning a bronze medal in 2015. He previously served as an assistant coach with the men’s team from 2009-13.
“I’m excited to get going and continue the tradition of winning basketball here with the Hurricanes women’s basketball program,” said Connolly. “I am looking forward to getting back in the gym and getting to work.”
Connolly has worked as a mentor in the transitions program at Holland College since 2009.
Athletics director Albert Roche welcomed Connolly while thanking Cheverie for his commitment.
“We immensely appreciate the dedication and passion Jared has provided to our program over his two years with us,” he said. “Chris has had success with our women’s team on the national stage and this experience bodes well as we prepare for the season ahead. While a change at this time presents some challenges, our recruits, returning players and coaches have all handled the transition well.”
The Hurricanes begin their regular season on Nov. 2 in Halifax against the Mount Saint Vincent Mystics. The team play its first home game on Saturday, Nov. 9 against the UNBSJ Seawolves.
Related links:
• Holland College Hurricanes' women's basketball team website
• Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association's women's basketball homepage
