Our Coaches

Ibrahim Ahmed

Ibrahim has returned to Niagara with his young family and joined the NOC coaching team. Ibrahim brings a wealth of running experience and expertise to our coaching team.  During his high school years at St. Francis Catholic Secondary School, Ibrahim was a member of NOC.  He had great success in Cross Country and Track, winning the 2012 Athletics Ontario Junior Cross Country gold medal.  On the track he won the outdoor Athletics Ontario Youth 3000m silver medal.  Ibrahim represented Canada at the 2012 World Junior Athletics Championships.

Ibrahim pursued his post secondary education at Southern Utah University and Florida State University on scholarship.  At a track athlete he was an All-region and All-conference performer.  Ibrahim is now enjoying his career in accounting.

As a graduate, Ibrahim returned to the Republic of Somaliland for three years to make a difference.  He taught high school and created a running program. Several athletes he coached achieved running scholarships to universities in the USA.

Ibrahim is motivated to create opportunities through sport for young athletes in the Niagara region.

“If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run – Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it.”

Rudyard Kipling “If”

If you’ve spent any time at the West Park track in St. Catharines, you’ve likely interacted with Sharon Stewart. As Niagara Olympic Club’s longest standing coach, Sharon has been instrumental in the success of the team over the past 25 years.

Sharon Stewart’s journey in athletics began with remarkable success as a high school sprinter, paving the way for her to pursue an Honours Bachelor of Physical Education at McMaster University. During her four years at McMaster, she was part of a dynasty women’s team, setting the stage for her illustrious coaching career.

With a passion for nurturing young talent, Sharon seamlessly transitioned into coaching alongside her secondary school teaching career. In 1998, she brought her expertise to Niagara Olympic Club (NOC) when her daughters became members, marking the beginning of her coaching tenure at the club. It was during this time that Sharon embarked on her coaching education journey with the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP).

Sharon’s coaching specialty lies in sprints and distance events, where she excels in guiding athletes to discover their passion and dedication. For Sharon, coaching at Niagara Olympic offers the unique opportunity to mentor athletes year-round, empowering them to dream big and seize opportunities beyond high school.

Certified as a Performance Coach for Endurance, Sharon draws inspiration from the words of Bernd Heinrich, finding energy and purpose in coaching. She believes in the collective effort of the coaching community, emphasising the importance of making a difference and being part of a supportive village.

Motivated by witnessing exceptional performances and the resilience of athletes facing daunting challenges, Sharon’s dedication to NOC spans many years. She envisions the club continuing to flourish long into the future, leaving a lasting impact on the track and field community.

Sharon Stewart’s coaching journey exemplifies a commitment to excellence, mentorship, and the enduring spirit of athletics.

Bill MacDonald

Bill Macdonald is a passionate advocate for running, having first competed in cross country and track during his high school years. His love for the sport was reignited in his 40s when he became a serious Masters Athlete, continuously training as a recreational runner. With over 20 years of coaching experience under his belt, Bill specialises in middle-distance events ranging from the 800 metres to the 5K.

Bill’s journey as a coach led him to Niagara Olympic, where he found the perfect fit for his coaching philosophy. As a smaller club, Niagara Olympic allows Bill and his fellow coaches to provide personalised attention to each athlete, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for growth and development. Bill is NCCP trained and certified in various coaching capacities, including Competition/Development Performance coach, Club coach, and Sport coach.

For Bill, coaching goes beyond simply improving athletic performance; it’s about helping athletes achieve their goals and fostering a lifelong love of running. He finds immense fulfilment in being part of the teamwork and camaraderie at Niagara Olympic, contributing to the club’s unique spirit.

Bill’s hopes for Niagara Olympic extend beyond producing top-performing athletes. While excellence in performance is valued, his ultimate goal is to nurture happy, healthy, and self-confident individuals through the sport of running. He envisions Niagara Olympic as a beacon of positivity and empowerment, where athletes not only reach their athletic potential but also thrive personally and mentally.

Steve Moran

Steve Moran’s journey in athletics spans both his competitive achievements and his dedication to coaching and leadership within the sport. As a student-athlete, Steve represented both York University and the University of Toronto in cross country and track events, earning accolades as an Academic All-Canadian and securing an OUA Bronze medal as part of the 4x800m team.

Transitioning from his athletic career, Steve pursued a career in education, initially as a computer science teacher for 15 years before transitioning into his current role as a high school Guidance Counsellor. Throughout his teaching career, Steve has been deeply involved in coaching, dedicating himself to both high school and club teams since 1996.

Steve’s commitment to coaching excellence led him to pursue training with the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP), achieving certification at various levels, including Level 3 in distance/endurance coaching. In 2022, Steve’s expertise and leadership were recognized when he joined the Varsity Coaching staff at McMaster University as the Assistant Cross Country coach.

Beyond coaching, Steve has played a pivotal role in the administration and organisation of the sport. He has served as a meet convenor for numerous events. Additionally, Steve has contributed to the advancement of athletics through his involvement with the OFSAA Sport Advisory Committee and his role in timing events such as OFSAA, the OUA, and USport Championship meets.

Steve Moran’s impact on athletics extends far beyond his own achievements as an athlete and coach. His leadership, dedication, and passion for the sport have left an indelible mark on the athletic community, inspiring athletes and fellow coaches alike to strive for excellence.

Emily Hughes

Emily Hughes’s journey in athletics began with the Niagara Olympic Club, where she spent four formative years competing in both cross country and track & field during high school. After high school, she continued her running career by training with the cross country team at Queen’s University.

Driven by a desire to give back to the running community that had given her so much as an athlete, Emily embarked on her coaching journey at Niagara Olympic Club in 2012. Despite pursuing other opportunities after university, Emily’s passion for coaching and her connection to her hometown of St. Catharines led her back to the club in 2022. Since then, she has been coaching part-time during the track season and actively assisting with the distance group.

Emily’s commitment to coaching and mentoring young athletes remains unwavering. She finds joy and inspiration in working with the energetic spirit of youth, witnessing their determination and growth firsthand.

As a coach, Emily holds a deep-seated hope for the continued growth of both the club membership and the sport of running in Niagara. She sees each new member and every stride forward as a testament to the enduring impact of athletics on individuals and communities alike.

Emily Hughes’s dedication to coaching embodies the spirit of giving back and fostering the next generation of athletes, ensuring that the legacy of running in Niagara continues to thrive.