Charles O'Toole of the NAIT Ooks has been named the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association Men's Soccer Coach of the Year.

O'Toole received the award this evening during the CCAA All-Canadian Banquet at the 2017 CCAA Men's Soccer National Championship, hosted by Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo, BC.

"The CCAA is very proud to have Charles as the Coach of the Year," said David Munro, CCAA Men's Soccer Convenor. "He won a CCAA National Championship with the Ooks as a player and as an assistant coach and he'll be looking to do the same this week as the head coach."

NAIT went 9-1 this season to finish in a tie for first place in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) North Division. The Ooks allowed a conference-low five goals and qualified for CCAA Nationals as the ACAC wildcard team.

On top of recruiting in the off-season, O'Toole conducts numerous identification and evaluation camps. Since taking over the NAIT program in 2012, O'Toole has also focused on improving the team's academic standards by ensuring that academic success is a focal point throughout the season.

O'Toole has his National A License, the highest soccer coaching certification in Canada. He is also currently staff coach of the FC Edmonton Academy.

"Charles consistently gives back to his community through coaching numerous Alberta Soccer Association teams," said Munro. "He represents NAIT and the CCAA in impactful and positive ways."

The CCAA alumnus also continues to play the game at a high level – he currently plays with the Edmonton Victoria Masters Soccer Club.

CCAA Coach of the Year winners receive a customized ring provided by Jostens Canada, the Official Ring Supplier of the CCAA National Championship Awards Banquet .