Originally from Kelowna, B.C., Joni Frei is a leader in softball and sport development. A Chartered Professional Coach and two-time Hall of Fame inductee, Joni has built and led programs at every level—from grassroots to the international stage. She played a pivotal role in establishing the University of British Columbia Okanagan softball program and led the team to a Canadian Collegiate Softball Association National Championship in just its third season.

Joni’s coaching career spans multiple continents and competitive levels, including roles with NCAA Division I programs, national teams, and provincial championship teams. She is a Master Learning Facilitator and Coach Evaluator specializing in leadership development and ethical coaching practices. Beyond her technical expertise, Joni is a passionate advocate for equity in sport, known for her work in creating pathways for women and girls in leadership and sport.

Her athletic career at Georgia College and State University was equally distinguished—she was a two-sport athlete, NCAA Division II World Series finalist, and GCSU Female Athlete of the Year. Joni has since gone on to earn two degrees with honours and continues to build programs that empower athletes and coaches alike.

Highlights & Achievements:

Builder & Champion:

• Led UBC Okanagan to the 2021 CCSA National Championship

• Part of the Langford team that won back-to-back U17 & U19 Canadian National Championships

• Head Coach of Team B.C. – Gold at 2014 NAIG and Bronze at 2017 NAIG

• Hall of Fame Inductee:

• 2018 Georgia College and State University Athletics Hall of Fame

• 2024 Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame – Builder/Coach Category

Recognized Leader:

• 2022 Community Sport Hero (PacificSport Okanagan)

• 2018 Ringor Impact Award – International softball coaching excellence

• NFCA Master Coach (2018)

Professional Qualifications:

• Chartered Professional Coach (Coaching Association of Canada)

• NCCP Competition Development Trained

• NCCP Master Learning Facilitator & Coach Evaluator (Coaching Association of Canada)

• Multi-Sport Facilitator: Mentorship, Conflict Management, Ethics, Teaching & Learning

Academic & Athletic Excellence:

• B.Sc. in Health Sciences and Teacher Certification (Georgia College, 2005) – with honours               

• MPA – Master of Public Administration (Kennesaw State University) – with honours

• NCAA Division II World Series Finalist & Peach Belt All-Conference Team

• GCSU Female Athlete of the Year & Department of Kinesiology Student of the Year

International Coaching Experience:

• Head Coach – Austrian National Team (European Championship, Spain, 2009)

• Head Coach – Ugandan National Team (WBSC XV World Championship, Canada, 2016)

        • Assistant Coach – Kennesaw State (NCAA D1)

        •       Assistant Coach –  Mercer University (NCAA D1)

        •       Assistant Coach – Reinhardt College (NAIA)

        •       Georgia Military College (NJCAA)