WOLFVILLE, N.S. - A well earned rest may be in order for Under 17 Team Nova Scotia head coach Daniel De Palma, whose team captured gold at the Boys Canadian National Championship hosted in Winnipeg, Man., before taking on his new duties in Acadia University's Department of Athletics.
De Palma, who has been an assistant coach for the Acadia Axemen for the last two seasons will now take on duties as an assistant with both the Axewomen and Axemen this coming season. The move will have De Palma Coordinate camps and clinics for both programs along with fulfilling a major role in individual player development.
Over the last five years, De Palma has worked with Basketball Nova Scotia including this past summer as head coach of the Under 17 boys Team Nova Scotia. This summer's gold medal win at the Boys Canadian National Championship is another notch in De Palma's belt of accomplishments.
As a player, De Palma won bronze at the Under 15 Canadian National championship on Team Nova Scotia in 2004. At CP Allen High School, De Palma finished third at 2007 Nova Scotia Provincial High School Championship. De Palma finished his playing days at St. Thomas University in 2007-2009.
As a coach, De Palma won provincial titles coaching the Bedford Eagles and a bronze medal with CP Allen High School at the 2013 High School Provincials Championship. Over the last five years, De Palma has worked with Basketball Nova Scotia last 5 seasons including this past summer as head coach of the Under 17 boys Team Nova Scotia.
As an assistant coach with the Axemen for the last two seasons, head coach Kevin Duffie strongly believes that De Palma will continue to strengthen the team. "Our program took a step forward with the commitment of Coach De Palma coming on full time", commented Duffie. "He has made his mark on the Acadia community in the short time he has been here and we expect him to thrive in this position. We are excited for Danny and for our players who will certainly benefit in a number of ways."
While De Palma will continue his duties with the Axemen, he takes on new duties with the Axewomen and will be an added face on the home bench.
"Our players don't know yet how lucky they are to have someone like Danny sign on to work with us. He is passionate about the game, has a knack for developing players, and is a proven winner", pointed out Axewomen head coach Len Harvey. "I am very happy to have Danny on as a full time staff member, I think it really pushes us forward and also demonstrates our commitment as a program to competing nationally."
De Palma is complementary about the programs he will be working with. "I couldn't be more excited to work for such a historically strong basketball program and with two very talented teams. I have loved my time thus far in Wolfville, the community and school are so incredibly supportive. This phenomenal opportunity would not be at all possible without great support from athletic director Kevin Dickie and my two coaching mentors and friends, Kevin Duffie and Len Harvey."
The Axewomen and Axemen open up the AUS regular season at home hosting the Saint Mary's Huskies on Thursday, November 3. 2016 beginning at 6:00 p.m..