The North Bay Sports Awards Committee is pleased to announce that David Bitonti, head coach of the Nipissing Lakers Women’s Soccer Team has been named this years winner of the Al Brennan Memorial Trophy for Coach of the Year. David was recognized with a similar honour by the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) earlier this year when he won the Coach of the Year for the Central Division.
Director of Athletics at Nipissing University, Vito Castiglione had this to say about this year’s award recipient, “David has done a tremendous job the last few seasons taking his team to the next level. They have finished near the top of the standings and have been very exciting to watch. David, along with his coaching staff have recruited some talented players and has led the team to a lot of success, which included advancing to the OUA semi-finals this past season. Lakers Athletics is very proud of the accomplishments of David, his coaching staff, and the student athletes.”
David grew up in North Bay and is well known in the soccer community playing both youth and high-school soccer before joining North Bay Men’s League 1st Division where he played for a number of seasons. He established a reputation as a highly skilled and passionate player who was very knowledgeable about the game, so it didn’t come as a surprise when he turned his attention to coaching.
David started on the bench for the Lakers Women’s Team as an assistant coach before taking on the head coaching responsibilities in 2011. David and his coaching staff have worked tirelessly scouting, recruiting and developing players and in the last few seasons their efforts have resulted in highly competitive teams.
In 2021 the Lakers put together the best season in the program’s history on their way to capturing the OUA, Central Division with a record of 8 wins, 1 loss and 1 tie. During league play they outscored their opponents 28 to 3, while recording an impressive 9 shutouts. The team went on to defeat York university 1-0 in the quarter-finals before suffering a heart-breaking loss in penalty kicks to Western in the semi-finals.
Abby Wroe, Central Division Player of the Year and All-Star defender, believes the award is well deserved.
“Congratulations to Coach David for this well-deserved award. David is very supportive of the players on and off the field," she said.
"His encouragement and motivation for our team has elevated the program to new heights each year. He is enthusiastic about coaching and has a clear passion for soccer. The coaching staff goes above and beyond, which everybody is grateful for.”
“I’ve had the opportunity to play for Coach David for the past 6 years,' said Lakers All-Star goalkeeper Mckaela Volpe.
"Each year we keep setting the bar higher because the coaches have faith in us and know we can reach those goals together. David is a coach that supports us on and off the field, as are all our coaches, and it is no wonder this team has had as much success and growth as to the point we have had. I think it’s awesome that David is being recognized by the community for the dedication he has shown to the program and our amazing run this past season.”
Bitonti is flatted by the acknowledgment.
"It is a true honour to be recognized by the North Bay Sports Awards Committee as the Coach of the Year," he said.
"This is a tremendous reflection of the staff, coach Nick Battigaglia and coach Mike Russell, as well as the players. We all share in this achievement much like our many achievements as a group, in 2021. This year’s team needs to be commended for accepting roles our staff put in place, for meeting high demands of life as a student-athlete, and collectively raising the bar day after day for our program. We have all worked incredibly hard. This is a proud moment personally, but a wonderful honour for all of us.”
Bitonti will be presented with his award at the 41st Annual Induction and Awards Dinner on Satruday, May 14 at the Davedi Club. Tickets are available from the following Executive Members: Dave Saad 705-472-7041, Larry Tougas 705-303-8104 or any Hall of Fame Board Member. Tickets are also available at the Davedi Club by calling 705-474-4190.
Those interested in searching past inductees are invited to explore the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame website at http://www.northbaysportshalloffame.ca
