From Mount Pearl NL, Katie is in her final year at Memorial University, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Human Kinetics and Recreation. Katie has multiple years of experience coaching and playing basketball. Katie has played basketball representing Newfoundland and Labrador over three times and has since begun to coach various teams at multiple levels, including provincial, high school and here at CE23. Katie has been a coach at CE23 for three years and is thankful for all of the opportunities. Katie looks forward to working with both the athletes and other coaches this upcoming year. 

Born in 1973 and from Mount Pearl, Newfoundland, Shawn has been coaching for over 27 years. Shawn has lived overseas for 11 years and has been involved at the junior high, High School, Club and Provincial Levels.He coached with the U14 Team NL Boys team last summer, and he now coaches multiple u14, u16, and u18 teams at CE23 Academy.

Playing basketball since the age of 10 Katie Cousens has had a dire passion for the sport since the beginning. Being a part of Newfoundland's provincial program as a player for 4 years and a coach for 1, she has gained exceptional knowledge of the game. While playing high school basketball in NL she received numerous MVP and all-star awards in the numerous tournaments she played over a 4-year duration. After high school, she was recruited by Mount Saint Vincent University on an athletic-academic scholarship where she and her team remained in the top five in Canada within the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association through the 2019-2020 year. They won the regional Atlantic collegiate athletic association championships and would have proceeded to Nanaimo, BC for the CCAA national competition, however, Covid inhibited that experience. Katie now attends the Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland and is completing a Bachelor of Technology in Ocean Mapping. Coaching for 11 years obtaining her learn-to-train certification from Canada basketball and being a level 1 recognized referee with the NABO, she still surrounds herself with the sport wherever she can and loves to continue her knowledge of the game. 

Chris Cowan’s journey from high school courts to stewarding the Intercity Men's League showcases his deep-rooted passion for basketball. As a representative and coach for numerous men's teams, Chris has been pivotal in nurturing a vibrant, competitive community. His expertise extends to youth development, where he shapes budding athletes, including his own three children participating in CE23 programs. Chris embodies the spirit of mentorship and the love of the game that CE23 stands for.

Amy started with the boys St. Joseph’s Jaguars team in her hometown of Hr. Main in grade four, it was clear from the start that basketball was her passion. Her high school career saw her team rise from a 3A to a 4A school, capturing numerous tournament victories and ultimately the 4A championship in her final year. She represented Team NL from 1996 to 2001, and went on to play for Memorial University from 2000-2005. At Memorial, she earned multiple AUS all-star honors and helped secure three AUS championships. On the national stage, she also had the honor of representing Canada internationally. She still holds an impressive ranking as the second all-time leader for most assists in the CIS. After playing in Germany with the Leipzig Eagles, Amy transitioned to family life, now juggling the busy schedule of raising three kids. Her enthusiasm for the game continues through her work with CE23 Basketball Academy, where she's passing on her wealth of knowledge and passion for basketball to young athletes.

Hailing from the small town of Trepassey, Jen found a love for basketball early, thanks to the guidance of coach Clarence Sutton, who helped shape the foundation of her game. Jen played provincial basketball from grade 7 through grade 12 as well as team captain and flag bearer for Newfoundland at Canada Games in British Columbia.

Jen was recruited to play NCAA Division 1 basketball for two teams (Loyal Marymount in California and University of Rhode Island but opted to play with MUN. Jen played 5 years at MUN (co-captain for three years) at Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) and was a 3X AUS All-Star. She was a member of the first women's team to ever win an AUS Championship.

Jen moved to Ontario where she played on a travel basketball team. Eventually, the journey led to Denver, CO where she played competitively for 12 years. She currently has 2 children that play basketball and a husband that coach also. 

Represented the province of Newfoundland and Labrador at National Basketball tournaments between 1995-2001, including the 1997 Canada Games. Earned top scorer of the tournament at the 1998 U19 Nationals. Played varsity basketball for the Memorial Sea-Hawks from 1998-2003, winning two AUS championships, and being named an AUS conference all-star for 3 years (2001, 2002, 2003). Kate has been playing in the St. John’s Ladies Division 1 Basketball League for the past 20 years and recently started coaching her daughter in school and club leagues.

Micoya is a lifelong basketball advocate from Grand Falls-Windsor, now based in St. John’s while pursuing a degree in Human Kinetics and Recreation through a CO-OP program. With 14 years of playing experience, 7 years as a coach, and 5 years as a referee, basketball has shaped Micoya’s life in profound ways. She has dedicated themselves to giving back to the sport that has given her so much, whether by mentoring young athletes, fostering teamwork, or helping players find confidence on and off the court.

As a member of the executive board for Central Region Basketball officials, Micoya is passionate about creating a positive environment for players, coaches, and officials alike. Her goal is to inspire the next generation, not just to excel in basketball, but to become strong, compassionate, and driven individuals. Basketball has always been more than just a game for Micoya it’s a way to connect, uplift, and change lives, one play at a time.

Born and raised in St. Mary’s Bay, NL, I was an all around athlete, participating on many high school sports teams at Dunne Memorial Academy.  Having developed the love for the game of basketball at an early age, I started playing in grade 4 and continued to grade 12 as the captain of the high school team.  Upon completion of a Bachelor of Physical Education Degree at MUN, and a Business Certificate at the University of Calgary, I currently reside in the Town of Holyrood where I continue my love for sports, coaching basketball at Holy Cross Elementary and Roncalli Central High School.  I am very excited to be a part of the CE23 coaching team, and look forward to working with all the athletes and coaches.

Moved to NL 15 yrs ago from a small town in Michigan (Clarkston)
I’ve been involved with basketball since age 5 as a player , coach , referee and still do them all today. When I’m not doing basketball things I like to play golf , snowmobile and travel.

Born in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Camilla has been playing basketball since a young age. Currently finishing a Major in Biochemistry and a minor in Chemistry. She has played with team NL for multiple years and began coaching at the elementary and junior high levels. She then coached high school and now continues to coach with team NL and CE23. 

Samaila ibrahim was born and raised in Nigeria.   The Niger potters basketball team gave him the opportunity to play and love the game beyond any thoughts he would have had, then unto the next came the Immigration basketball team in 2004, Got invited to the national junior national team camp in 2003 and to the senior national team camp in 2005.

At this stage the dream has been realized that he could actually made something worth living for through sports (basketball), 2005 the best team in the country on the savannah conference came calling ( Kano pillars) where I stayed till in 2006 when the opportunity came for me to travel abroad ( Doha Qatar ) to ply my skills for a qatari basketball team ( Qatar sports club) then unto another team Al-Gharaffa basketball team where I had a brief stint between 2008-2010 when I finally decided to hang it up professionally.

Moved to Newfoundland in 2014 where I have been living and residing since, also a member of the SJABO ( St. John's association of basketball officials ) and a full member of the referee association since 2018.

Born in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Caroline grew up playing basketball since kindergarten. Caroline graduated from O’Donel High School in Mount Pearl. Throughout her basketball career, she has played multiple years of provincial basketball including playing in 3 Nationals tournaments. Caroline then went on to play with the Memorial Seahawks Women’s Basketball team. Caroline is now in her third year of university in the process of getting her undergraduate degree in Primary/Elementary Education. Caroline has always had a love for the sport and has a passion for coaching and developing young athletes. Caroline has coached many teams over the years including school teams, club teams and summer camps. She is very excited about the upcoming season of coaching at CE23

Darcy Johnson, born and raised in Renews on the Southern Shore and currently residing in Bay Bulls, brings a wealth of basketball experience and passion to our academy. A former player on the Newfoundland provincial team and a year spent playing at Grande Prairie  Regional College. Darcy's journey in basketball has been greatly influenced by his father who coached him throughout his youth. This connection ignited Darcy's passion for coaching his own daughter and all young athletes develop their skills both on and off the court.

Known for his defensive mindset and strong emphasis on teamwork, Darcy instills a hardworking, team-first approach in his players. With a focus on fundamentals and a love for the game, Darcy is dedicated to guiding the next generation of basketball players.

Ben is a 21-year-old Commerce student born and raised in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Ben started his basketball journey in the fourth grade playing for his school team, and quickly started his youth club basketball career shortly after. This is Ben's second season coaching at CE23 Academy and he loves showing up every practice ready to help inspire the next generation of basketball players from Newfoundland & Labrador. 

Laura started playing basketball in grade 4 and then grew up playing it. She played with a variety of club teams and provincial programs. Laura represented her province in off-island tournaments playing on u16 and u17 team NL. She also played on the senior A basketball team all three years of high school. Once she graduated high school she began coaching. She has now been coaching club basketball for 4 years. Laura has also coached some of the girls' basketball teams at MDJH.  Laura has her level one NCCP learn-to-train coaching certification and plans to take more coaching courses in the future. 

Born and raised in Deer Lake, Newfoundland but currently living in St. John’s pursuing a degree in Physical Education at MUN. Played basketball for 10 years and have been coaching for 5. Super passionate about coaching and very excited to have the opportunity this year to help players confidently develop their skills.

I played basketball growing up with Carl's brother on the high school team at Fatima. I have been coaching basketball for 22 years in Mount Pearl. I have coached all school aged levels, from Grade 3 to High School. I have also coached Club Basketball in Mount Pearl on and off since 1999. I am looking forward working with our U16 players this season. I am hoping to teach them both basketball skills and "how" to play the game at a higher level. 

Caleb Sooley began his playing career attending Rothesay Netherwood in the Canadian prep circuit from grades 9-12 in New Brunswick, then continued his career playing for Dalhousie University where he won an AUS championship in 2021. He has also represented Team Newfoundland at 4 national championships and 1 Canada game in 2017. His coaching focus right now is on the girls' side, where he specializes in player development.