The Charlesglen Toyota Coach of the Year is presented to a Dinos coach that demonstrates excellence in coaching and leadership. Charlesglen Toyota – Alberta's Celebration Destination – is proud to be an official partner of the University of Calgary Dinos. This award is voted on by all varsity head coaches.
AWARD WINNERS - 58th ANNUAL NIGHT OF THE DINO:
Sarah Besselink | Women's Basketball
Besselink's head coaching debut could not have gone much better. The Dinos women's basketball team opened the season with 16 straight wins, including a 10-0 start in Canada West play under her leadership. After a challenging stretch in January, the team responded with a key sweep of Alberta that helped reset their season heading into the playoffs. Entering the post-season on the road, the Dinos defeated Manitoba and Trinity Western before facing defending national champion Saskatchewan, where they delivered a standout defensive performance to end the Huskies' 51-game win streak. Calgary then travelled to Vancouver and defeated UBC to capture the ninth conference title in program history. At the U SPORTS Final 8 in Quebec City, the Dinos secured their first national medal since 2001. This award, which is sponsored by corporate partner Charlesglen Toyota, is voted on by all varsity head coaches.
| YEAR |
RECIPIENT |
| 2026 |
Sarah Besselink (women's basketball) |
| 2025 |
Dan Vanhooren (men's basketball) |
| 2024 |
Jessica Zelinka (cross country, track and field) |
| 2023 |
Mark Howell (men's hockey) |
| 2022 |
Mike Blondal (swimming) |
| 2021 |
not awarded |
| 2020 |
Wayne Harris (football) |
| 2019 |
Dan Vanhooren (men's basketball) |
| 2018 |
Simon Chi (women's rugby) |
| 2017 |
Wayne Harris (football) |
| 2016 |
Dan Vanhooren (men's basketball) |
| 2015 |
Natalie Gurnsey (women's volleyball) |
| 2014 |
Blake Nill (football) |
| 2013 |
Doug Lamont (track & field) |
