Niagara College has rounded out its coaching staff for the 2025-26 varsity sports season after naming its new head coach of Women’s Basketball.
Allie Columbus will return to the Niagara region to take on her newest challenge.
Columbus had an extremely successful career with the women’s basketball program at Brock University while completing her Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology and then her Master of Science in Kinesiology.
During her time at Brock, Allie was a member of the women’s basketball team as an athlete before she turned to being an assistant coach.
She then headed to London, Ontario to complete her Bachelor of Education while continuing as an assistant coach with the Western University Mustangs women’s basketball program. Allie has spent time as an assistant coach, a student academic support, and a teaching assistant during her educational career.
Columbus was also recognized as a USports Academic All-Canadian in the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons while completing her undergraduate degree at Brock University.
“We’re excited to announce Coach Columbus as our next women’s basketball coach,” said Michele O’Keefe, Sr. Director Athletics & Student Engagement at Niagara College.
“Allie has started to establish herself in the coaching realm during her time at Brock University and Western University. Her natural leadership and knowledge of the game will no doubt put her in a great place to be successful.”
Now a resident of Waterdown, Columbus will look to infiltrate back into the Niagara region as she spends most of her free time at Niagara College while also looking to put her Bachelor of Education degree to good use.
“I’m truly excited to step into the role of head coach of the women’s basketball program at Niagara College,” Columbus gushed when asked about the new role. “This opportunity is very meaningful to me, and I’m grateful for the coaches and mentors who have
supported and guided me along the way. I’m committed to foster a positive and competitive environment where our student-athletes can grow not only as players, but as individuals. I’m looking forward to returning to the Niagara region and building connections with players, staff, and community.”
Columbus takes over from former interim head coach, and current Niagara River Lion, Kimbal Mackenzie and will start at the college with the Knights on June 23..
The Niagara College Knights feature five varsity sports including basketball, volleyball, soccer, curling and golf.
For more information visit goknights.ca
Rod Mawhood is a lifelong Niagara native who has had the pleasure of working in all three mediums – Radio, Print and TV – for over 20 years. His first announcing gig was with the then St. Catharines Stompers. Since then he’s worked in radio and TV in Toronto, and currently is the announcer for the Niagara IceDogs and Niagara River Lions.
Rod also covers the Buffalo Bills for FOX Sports and the Buffalo Sabres for NBC Sports.
