Coach Iuliana Kroeger Named 2020 ViaSport Competition Coach of the Year

The Vancouver Thunderbirds are thrilled to congratulate Coach Iuliana Kroeger on her naming as ViaSport’s 2020 Competition Coach of the year. Coach Iuliana received her award at the virtual ceremony held in April, 2021. A coach with the Thunderbirds since 2018, Iuliana has spearheaded the growth of the Junior Development and High School Power/Speed groups in North Surrey, ushering in an exciting chapter for the club marked by a slieu of outstanding performances and the formation of a tight-knit and supportive community environment.

Originally hailing from Romania, where she competed in national level track & field as an athlete, Coach Kroeger has transferred her passion for athletics into a remarkable career as a coach, guiding athletes across a wide range of ages and abilities, from grass roots programming at the youngest levels to national age group record holders. While the accolades accrued by her athletes over her 20 year career testify to Iuliana’s technical prowess as a coach, all who know her are quick to point out that what makes her so incredible in her role is the compassion she shows for her athletes as individuals; a characteristic that extends well beyond medals or personal bests. Speaking to this point, 2021 Thunderbirds Graduate Praise Aniamaka says this about his long-time coach “Iuliana has been there for all my best performances and knows what to say to calm my nerves or give me the energy I need. She coaches with love and passion and has touched the lives of many in the process.” Whether in her role as Thunderbirds Head Coach or in one of her many positions coaching outreach at local schools and in the community, Iuliana “pours into each child and teaches the ‘hidden curriculum’ of coaching” said one parent, that of “integrity, humility, resilience, goal setting, fair play, and collaboration.”

As an organization we are incredibly grateful for the immeasurable impact Iuliana has had on shaping the community we are all proud to be part. She truly embodies what we strive to accomplish as a club and we could not be more proud of her in receiving this recognition of which she is so well deserving. From all of us in the Thunderbirds, thank you Iuliana!