The Coaching Effect Canada is a groundbreaking research initiative focused on understanding how effective coaching drives athletic and personal growth. We conduct in-depth longitudinal studies across a range of sports, levels, and demographics to quantify coaching impact beyond performance metrics, including academic success, personal development, and high-performance outcomes.

By providing data-driven insights, we help coaches, sports organizations, and athletic programs elevate coaching standards and foster development at every level.

about the coaching effect canada

helping you tell your story

Building trust-based relationships that foster meaningful connections between coaches and athletes.

the six pillars of effective coaching

connection

Creating environments where athletes feel safe to take risks, voice concerns, and thrive without fear of judgment.

psychological safety

Establishing consistent routines, expectations, and support systems that enable athletes to focus on growth.

structure

Sharing clear, constructive, and effective information to build understanding and team alignment.

communication

Encouraging athletes to stretch beyond their comfort zones, unlocking new levels of performance and resilience.

challenge

Focusing on advancing athletes' competencies, ensuring they continually improve and excel in their sport.

skill development

learn more about our research assessments here

LAUREN KELBA - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

learn about lauren

meet the team

kyle craighead - vp of program planning

chuck schmidt - president

mikaela richter - director

ashley olson - director

Tim bennett - director

learn about kyle

learn about mikaela

learn about Chuck

learn about ashley

learn about tim

LAUREN KELBA - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Lauren comes with a wealth of experience across sports and education. She earned her Bachelor's degrees in Recreation and Sport Management, and Ethics and Public Policy, while as a NCAA Division One student-athlete. She earned her Master's in Education and is currently pursuing her Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching at Royal Roads University.

When she's not pouring over research, Lauren teaches at Mount Royal University or is out in the mountains. Lauren and her husband live in Calgary, Alberta.

meet the team

kyle craighead - vp of program planning

Doctorate of Education in Learning Organizations and Strategic Change, who has taught, coached, served as athletic director, and served as a school and district administrator. Purchased and implemented the use of the Coaching Effect Platform as a district administrator Nashville, TN. Dr. Craighead is also an Adjunct Professor at Lipscomb University for the Graduate Program in Educational Leadership.


chuck schmidt - president

Chuck Schmidt has more than 25 years of experience in providing immense value in the youth, high
school, and collegiate sports landscape. Chuck was instrumental in helping transform the high school
market from digital and data integration. His work has been recognized nationally. After 17 years with
the AIA, Chuck was recruited to join the OutFront Media Multimedia Rights team, to build their high
school business from scratch. Chuck brings a unique skill set in building, scaling, and key relationships
Ecsell as the President.

mikaela richter - director of client experience

Mikaela Richter, Director of Client Data Operations at Ecsell Sports & Education, combines 2.5 years of data-driven leadership with championship experience. A two-time NCAA Division I National Champion, she played volleyball for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, graduating in 2019. Mikaela also volunteers as a high school volleyball coach in Iowa, empowering coaches and athletes to excel.

ashley olson - director

Ashley graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2019. She spent her college years in the gym as a volleyball coach at the high school and club level, where she found her love of coaching and helping coaches be the best versions of themselves. Ashley now lives in Minden, Nebraska with her husband, two kids, and two golden retrievers.

Tim bennett - director

Tim is a certified mental performance coach with 24+ years of experience in Division I soccer and youth development. A proven leader, he blends data-driven strategies, sports psychology, and holistic coaching to empower athletes and coaches. Passionate about coach education and mentorship, he fosters growth, trust, and measurable success in the competitive environment and beyond.

This section will link to either the ABOUT page or the RESEARCH page... or maybe the blog if we can publish some white papers??

OUR RESEARCH

This will take you to he CONTACT page, coded in Hubspot, to book a call to learn more

This will definitely link to the BLOG where we can publish research insights, white papers, contributing articles, etc...

YOUR IMPACT

GET INVOLVED

LEARN MORE

WHAT'S YOUR COACHING EFFECT?

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