Director of Golf & Head Coach

BIO

Since joining the PGA of Canada in 2009, Derek Baker has established himself as a prominent figure in junior golf development at the provincial level. He has consistently been a contender for the PGA of Alberta's Coach of the Year award and has earned prestigious recognitions, including the Junior Leader of the Year award in 2018 and the Teacher of the Year award in 2019. His academy is renowned, securing the second spot in the provincial rankings for two consecutive seasons on the Maple Leaf Junior Tour. Derek has played a pivotal role in the success of numerous students, guiding them to victories in Provincial Championships and Maple Leaf Junior Tour events, as well as to compete on national and international stages and to secure college golf opportunities.

With a strong educational foundation in golf development, evidenced by three certifications from the Titleist Performance Institute and training in Golf Canada’s coaching programs, Derek's commitment to nurturing talent is evident. His unwavering dedication and passion for golf are at the core of his approach, aiming to unlock and cultivate the full potential of every golfer he mentors.

Assistant Coach

BIO

Matthew Truong is a distinguished PGA of Canada Class “A” Teaching Professional with over twenty years of expertise in the golf industry. A member of the PGA of Canada since 2007 and a Class “A” member since 2012, Matthew has spent 18 years teaching and coaching at RedTail Landing Golf Club and CCT Golf Centre. He serves as the Country Club Tour Golf Academy Manager and holds certifications including NCCP Instructor for Beginner and Intermediate Golfers, Titleist Performance Institute Golf Level 2 Instructor, and Junior Level 2 Instructor.

Matthew has also led various women's golf programs and initiatives aimed at Indigenous communities. His qualifications extend to being Trackman certified and a Callaway Golf Trained & Certified Club Fitter.

Armed with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of Alberta, Matthew offers a wealth of knowledge, sophisticated swing theory, and fundamental concepts in his teaching approach, benefiting golfers of all ages.

Director of Sport Performance

BIO

Tyler is excited for the debut of our Golf Program at NAX, marking the beginning of an exciting journey for him and our aspiring golfers. With a lifelong love of the sport, Tyler is thrilled to transition his expertise from the realm of hockey to the world of golf, enriching the athletic experience for our students alongside our esteemed team of Strength and Conditioning Coaches.

Having served as a Strength and Conditioning Coach for elite hockey players over the past five years, Tyler brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role. Prior to his coaching career, he enjoyed a successful stint as a professional player, further enhancing his understanding of athletic performance. His passion for optimizing athletes' abilities in competition is unwavering, and he is committed to leveraging his expertise to elevate the performance of NAX Golf athletes.

Tyler is known for his enthusiasm in working with diverse groups and individuals, always striving to unlock their full potential on the course. His dedication to maximizing athletic performance remains steadfast, and he is eager to apply his proven strategies and methodologies to empower NAX Golf athletes to excel in their pursuit of success

Mental Performance Coach

BIO

Proud to partner with NAX Golf, Samantha Gouveia of Rise Above Mental Performance is steadfast in her commitment to empowering aspiring golfers to overcome mental barriers and achieve unparalleled success on the course. Through the implementation of personalized, evidence-based strategies, she equips athletes with the psychological tools and unwavering support necessary for performance excellence.

Offering tailored one-on-one and group sessions to address unique needs, she seamlessly integrates mental training as another pillar critical for maximizing one's true potential.

Head Athletic Trainer

BIO

Nicole is embarking on her sixth year with the Northern Alberta Xtreme (NAX) team, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to her role as the Head Medical Trainer. Her hockey background is extensive, with 13 years of playing experience, including two significant years with St. Francis Xavier High School's U18 team. Before her tenure at NAX, Nicole honed her skills as a trainer with a Bantam AA hockey team and also gained valuable coaching experience in kayaking at prestigious competitions like the Western Canada and Canada Summer Games. In 2020, she earned her Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Alberta and is a certified Emergency Medical Responder (EMR).

Nicole expresses her enthusiasm about her continued association with NAX, a team she once played for a decade ago, now contributing her expertise in the medical field. She is deeply passionate about rehabilitation and athlete recovery, focusing on providing athletes with the necessary resources for success and peak performance. Nicole is excited to work with the academy's talented athletes and is proud to be part of such a renowned institution, eager to make a significant impact in her role.