York University Athletics & Recreation announced on Monday that Christa Eniojukan has been selected as the next head coach of the Lions women's basketball program.
 
Eniojukan returns to the program where she was previously a student-athlete, spending two seasons with the Lions (2003-05) while completing her bachelor of education degree. She was the team's most valuable player in 2005. Her playing experience also included three seasons with the Laurier Golden Hawks from 1999-02 while she earned her undergraduate degree in kinesiology and physical education, and she was also a two-time team MVP with the Hawks.
 
In the years since, Eniojukan has become a top coach with experience at a number of different levels. Most recently, she was the first head coach for the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks in their inaugural season in 2019-20 and she is also the head coach for the Academy for Student Athlete Development (ASAD) Durham Elite, a role she has held since 2016.
 
In addition to coaching, Eniojukan is part of multiple committees and associations supporting Black coaches and athletes, including serving as co-chair of the OUA's Black, Biracial and Indigenous (BBI) Committee.
 
"I am thrilled to welcome Christa back to the York family," said Jennifer Myers, executive director of York Athletics & Recreation. "I know that the depth of her experience within Canada  Basketball, the Ontario Basketball Association and the OUA will help our program take the next step in solidifying its position as one of the most competitive programs in the country. She possesses an immense capacity to lead with integrity and transparency, and I am excited to see our program flourish with her leadership. Welcome home Christa, I cannot wait to see you on the sidelines!"
 
Eniojukan has spent many years working with teams provincially and nationally, most notably serving as the U17 Ontario provincial team head coach from 2014-17. She has won six national medals (four golds and two silvers) and in 2019 was named the recipient of the Susan Kitchen Trailblazer Award from the Coaches Association of Ontario.
 
She is also the founder and program director of Active Scholars, a non-profit that operates summer camps and other programming with the unique combination of S.T.E.M. learning and sports development.
 
"I am elated to come back and lead the Lions women's basketball program," said Eniojukan. "I am a proud alumna who truly enjoyed my experience as a student-athlete and I feel honoured to have an opportunity to lead the women's team as head coach. I recognize I am taking over from some outstanding coaches and I will look to build on their foundation to foster a winning program. I can't wait to get on court and get to work. To the entire York community, I look forward to connecting and building something special!"
 
Eniojukan will begin her new role on July 5 and will make her sideline debut when the Lions return to the court for OUA action for the 2021-22 season.