Danielle Oak-Brown has spent over two decades shaping young lives in Sault Ste. Marie as a teacher, coach and mentor.
Whether on the court, in the classroom, or at community events, Oak-Brown’s impact reaches far beyond athletics.
She helps build confidence, resilience and life skills that her students and athletes carry with them well into the future, making her an ideal recipient for this year’s Sports and Recreation Award for the SooToday Community Builders Awards, presented by Heritage Home Hardware.
At St. Mary’s College, Oak-Brown serves as head coach of the junior girls’ volleyball team and teacher representative for the senior team.
She also contributes to badminton, track and field and other athletics programs.
Off the court, Oak-Brown organizes camps, coordinates fundraising to reduce financial barriers to sport and attends events to celebrate the achievements of student-athletes.
Her work extends beyond the schools and into the community.
For the past four years, Oak-Brown has coached the 17U girls’ team with Sault Ignite Volleyball Club
Her leadership keeps the program strong and gives youth an outlet to compete and grow.
“What I’m most proud of right now is helping keep Sault Ignite Volleyball running, giving boys and girls another outlet to compete and grow,” Oak-Brown shared.
Parents say Oak-Brown’s influence goes far beyond sports.
“The leadership and confidence my daughter gained were largely thanks to Danielle’s encouragement and support,” wrote one parent. “She builds strong, respectful and motivated individuals who carry the values they learn from her beyond the gym.”
Oak-Brown shares her recognition with others. “I was really uncomfortable accepting this on my own because it’s not something I do on my own,” she said. “Like everyone else, we all do this with a village. We’re all part of making this city better.”
Her family is part of that village. “Behind every volunteer is a family making sacrifices too,” Oak-Brown explained, crediting her husband and loved ones for their support.
Through sport, Oak-Brown sees a bigger purpose. “I see what sports and being part of a team does for kids: learning to be good teammates, balancing school and athletics and building life skills,” she said. “I was lucky to be involved in sports as a child, and now it’s my turn to give that back.”
Although Oak-Brown plans to retire from teaching in five years, she will continue coaching and volunteering.
“I get as much out of it as the kids do,” shared Oak-Brown. “Volunteering gives kids places to be and things to do. I hope this inspires others to get out in the community, wherever they feel comfortable, and help.”
Oak Brown’s biggest achievement is not a single event. It is the ongoing impact she has had in the lives of her students and athletes.
Watching them graduate, pursue careers as educators or coaches and grow into confident and kind adults is her greatest reward.
Oak-Brown is more than a coach.
She is a mentor, role model and community builder who inspires others through her commitment, generosity and love of sport.
The Sports and Recreation Award is presented to an individual or group who has contributed to the strength of a sport in the community, by way of inspiring people, establishing a program, mentoring a team or individual to extraordinary accomplishments or setting an example for others to carry.
Congratulations, Danielle!
Sports and Recreation Award is proudly sponsored by United Steelworkers Local 2251.