Roberto Duncan Named Head Coach of Lancer Baseball

The University of Windsor Lancers Department of Athletics has announced the hiring of Roberto Duncan as the new head coach of the Lancer baseball program.

“We are thrilled to welcome Roberto to the Lancer family. His extensive experience coaching in a post-secondary environment brings a high level of knowledge and professionalism that will greatly benefit our student-athletes. Additionally, his strong connections within the Windsor-Essex community will help us continue to build meaningful relationships and strengthen the foundation of our program. I’m excited to have him on board and look forward to the impact he will make both on and off the diamond.” – University of Windsor Director of Athletics, Stephanie White

Duncan most recently served as head coach of the St. Clair Saints of the OCAA from 2021-24, in which he led the team to four consecutive OCAA Championships with an 80-10-1 overall record. His time included three regular season pennants with a 62-6 record. In 2023, he was named the 2023 OCAA Coach of the Year. Prior to his time as head coach of the Saints he spent three years as an assistant coach, which included an OCAA Championship and national title in 2017.

“I would like to thank Director of Athletics Stephanie White and the entire athletic department for trusting me to lead the Windsor Lancer baseball program and for welcoming me into the Lancer family,” said Duncan.

“I am excited to meet the coaches, connect with the returning players, begin recruiting, and prepare for the 2026 season and beyond. Coaching in the OUA is a new and exciting challenge, and I look forward to representing the program with pride while giving my very best to our players, their parents, the coaching staff, and the University of Windsor.”

In his own playing career, Duncan was a free agent signing by the Boston Red Sox and played in 151 games across three season (2010-12) in the Dominican Summer League as well as a stint in the Panamanian Professional League. He joined the Saints in 2015 and won two OCAA Championships and a national silver medal. The Panama City, Panama native hit .289 in his collegiate career as a first baseman. Duncan holds an MLB Advanced Certification for Coach Development.

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STEVE VAGNINI NAMED OCAA COACH OF THE YEAR

By Josh Bell-Webster

The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) has announced that Steve Vagnini of St. Clair College has been named its 2025-26 Coach of the Year. Vagnini was at the helm of a Saints team that completed a memorable women’s outdoor soccer season in 2025. Vagnini’s leadership earned him triple honours as the OCAA, West Division and CCAA Coach of the Year at season’s end.

During his near-decade with the St. Clair program, Vagnini has cultivated a culture of accountability, respect and teamwork. By prioritizing comprehensive player development — covering technical, tactical, physical and psychological growth — he has ensured his athletes evolve into well-rounded individuals and competitors. Vagnini’s stewardship has helped produce high-achieving student-athletes, including Victoria Walsh, the 2025 OCAA West Player of the Year and CCAA All-Canadian.

Vagnini is as committed to his players’ personal and academic development as he is to their performance. Through biweekly meetings, Vagnini monitors their academic progress and personal goal-setting, underscoring his belief that character and education are paramount. Ultimately, Vagnini’s philosophy ensures that every student-athlete graduates from the program more confident and capable than when they arrived.

The Saints were coming off a 2024 season where they finished near the top of the West Division standings but were upset in the opening round of the OCAA playoffs. With a core of returning players mixed with some key additions, Vagnini looked to reverse the disappointment of past seasons. St. Clair began 2025 by levelling two-time reigning OCAA silver medalist Humber 2-2 before avenging its crossover loss the previous season to Sheridan winning 4-0.

After going 3-0-3 during the month of September, the Saints turned it on for the stretch run. St. Clair won four straight matches to conclude the regular season, averaging five goals on offence while recording three clean sheets. The Saints secured the West Division championship with an overall 7-0-3 record, allowing just five goals against in 10 matches, never once tasting defeat. It marked St. Clair’s first divisional title in 26 years.

Avoiding the pitfall of another first-round upset, the Saints scored 10 times in a shut out of Loyalist, then took an early two-goal lead over Durham and coasted to a quarter-final victory. As a result, St. Clair played host to the OCAA championship on home turf, its first trip to the final four since 2023.

The Saints were behind division rival Humber 1-0 at half time of the semifinal, but got the equalizer in the 59th minute, then a game-winning goal in the second overtime period to clinch their first OCAA medal since 2015. Playing Centennial in the OCAA gold medal match, St. Clair pounced on an early lead and never let up, winning 4-1 to end its 36-year OCAA championship drought.

Making their debut on the national stage, the Saints posted a 2-2 record at the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Women’s Soccer National Championship in Red Deer, Alta., fighting their way to the bronze medal match.

Vagnini also led the women’s indoor soccer team to a regional championship in 2026, advancing to the final four where the Saints lost both the semifinal and bronze medal match in penalty kicks.

PREVIOUS OCAA COACHES OF THE YEAR
2024-25 — Betty Calic, Mohawk Curling
2023-24 — Luca Sirianni, Seneca Women’s Soccer
2022-23 — Doug Wiseman St. Clair Women’s Softball

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St. Clair Saints Name New Men’s Volleyball Head Coach

The St. Clair College Athletic Department has announced Greg Simone as the new Varsity Men’s Volleyball Head Coach.

Simone is a former five year USport athlete where he played for four years at the University of Windsor and one year at the University of Waterloo. He also has extensive playing experience playing beach volleyball for Team Ontario.

Simone has recently spent the last few years as a Head Coach with the Sky Volley Club coaching several boy’s teams. He also has experience with the Forest City Volleyball Club and the KW Predator Volleyball Club. Prior to that he was an assistant coach with the University of Waterloo after his playing career.
Simone was born and raised in London where he attended London Central Secondary School before going to the University of Windsor.

Simone is eager to take over the Saints program. “I am truly honoured to step into the role of Head Coach for the St. Clair College men’s volleyball program. This is an incredible opportunity to lead a dedicated group of student-athletes, and I am excited to get to work. Together we will build a program that competes for OCAA Championships while creating a winning culture both on and off the court.”

Director of Athletics and Recreation Reid Innes is pleased to add Simone to the Saints coaching roster. “We’re excited to welcome Coach Simone to Saints Athletics. He comes to St. Clair College sharing our approach to prepare student-athletes for success in competition, academics, and life beyond our campus. I believe his experiences as a player and coach position him to do just that. We look forward to this new path for our Men’s Volleyball team.”

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St. Clair College Wins Top Award in 2026 NHL Hockey Innovation Competition

Kinetic Floor Tiles, An Arena Smart App and Year-Round Access Opportunities Highlight Competition Pitches

The National Hockey League and National Hockey League Players’ Association have announced that students from three Ontario universities and colleges were named winners of the Hockey Innovation Competition presented by SAP at the event’s third edition, held Wednesday at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa.

Open to post-secondary students across Ontario, the competition challenged teams to pitch innovative, practical solutions to hockey infrastructure issues — from aging community rinks and limited ice access to outdated facilities and a shortage of multi-use spaces. Participants were encouraged to develop ideas with clear implementation potential for the NHL, its Clubs, and community partners, with the goal of expanding access and supporting long-term growth of the sport in Canada.

The following teams received scholarship grants, a VIP NHL ticket experience, and networking opportunities with the NHL, SAP, Ottawa Senators, and participating academic institutions.

THE CHANGEMAKER AWARD

Presented to the team whose proposal demonstrated the highest level of feasibility and readiness for implementation, with a strong emphasis on real‑world applicability, scalability, and impact.

Every Step Counts

Alexandra Cohen, Tyler Fisher, Emily Miasik, Mackenzie Nyusa, Lila Pringle

Business Communications, Sport and Event Management (University of Guelph)

This pitch uses innovative kinetic floor tiles in NHL arena entrances and Kids Zones to turn fan movement into renewable energy, delivering an interactive, sustainable game-day experience powered by real-time data.

THE INNOVATOR AWARD

Presented to the team whose concept demonstrated the most original, forward‑thinking, and transformative approach, prioritizing creativity and ingenuity over feasibility.

Reignite the Rink

Sausha Goodhand, Elle Hebert, Airika Natyshak and Aryanna Pierson

Advertising and Marketing Communications Management (St. Clair College)

This proposal outlined a scalable retrofit solution that captures and reuses excess rink heat, integrates modular multi‑use spaces, and connects communities through a digital app—reimagining aging arenas as sustainable, year‑round hubs.

First-Line

Jordan Bates

Commerce (Queen’s University)

This smart arena app leverages real-time AI and SAP analytics to optimize seating, concessions, navigation, and in-game engagement — enhancing the fan experience while unlocking new revenue opportunities.

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St. Clair Men’s Indoor Soccer Win Bronze

The St. Clair College men’s varsity indoor soccer team came home with the OCAA Bronze Medals on Thursday.

The Saints were taking part in the OCAA Championships in Vaughan.

In their morning semi final, St. Clair dropped a hard fought battle to the Humber Hawks 3-1.

The Saints faced Fanshawe in the Bronze Medal Match and defeated Fanshawe 1-0 in a tightly contested game. Fanshawe had defeated St. Clair 4-1 in pool play on Wednesday

Patrick Maheux was named a Championship All Star for his outstanding play throughout the tournament.

It was the Saints first medal in Indoor Soccer since winning Silver in 2017.

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