Athletics
High Performance Athletics
Climbing
MacLachlan College is proud to launch a bold new vision for competitive climbing in Canada.
We’re proud to welcome Team Canada athletes Maddie and Zach Richardson to our coaching team. Maddie is currently ranked #1 in Canada and among the top 20 in the world in Bouldering and is an active member of the Canadian National Team. Zach is a two-time Senior Boulder National Champion and Pan American Champion.
Maddie continues to compete internationally and is currently training toward the LA 2028 Olympic Games. They join Jan Stevenson, MAC’s experienced Head Climbing Coach and a certified gymnastics, CrossFit, and climbing instructor, along with a dedicated team of assistant coaches, mental performance coach, and an athletic therapist.
In partnership with Richardsons Climbing, MacLachlan offers two elite pathways for young athletes: the Competitive Climbing Program and the High-Performance Climbing Program.
Competitive Climbing Program
Designed for students in Grades 4–12, the program provides specialized training multiple times each week. After school, athletes are bussed directly from MacLachlan’s Lower and Upper School campuses to Climbers Rock, where they train until 6:00 p.m., making competitive-level training easier to integrate into their school day.
Athletes work toward competing in local competitions, Provincial Qualifiers, Provincials, and Regionals. Those who demonstrate the ability and commitment to progress further can advance into MacLachlan’s High Performance Climbing Program, with opportunities to compete at the national, university, and international levels.
In addition to regular training, athletes benefit from opportunities to learn from experienced coaches, high-level athletes, route setters, mental performance professionals, and other experts who support their development both on and off the wall.
High-Performance Climbing Program
MacLachlan’s High Performance Climbing Program, powered by Richardsons Climbing, is designed for experienced Upper School athletes in Grades 7–12 who are working toward competition at the national, university, and international levels. Athletes must have competed at the Provincial level to enter the program.
High Performance athletes train four days per week, following individualized training programs developed by Zach Richardson. Training combines climbing with dedicated strength and conditioning, movement analysis, competition tactics, mental performance, and athlete development.
The program is led day-to-day by Head Climbing Coach Jan Stevenson, with regular in-person coaching from Maddie and Zach Richardson, who bring their experience from the Canadian National Team and international competition directly to MAC athletes.
For students in Grades 9–12, morning training is integrated into Period 1, with athletes earning their Physical Education credit through the program. Athletes also travel to Montreal approximately every six weeks for specialized training and competition experience at Rose Bloc, providing regular opportunities to train in a leading climbing environment outside their home facility.
Competition
The Ontario competition season begins in the fall with qualifying competitions in both Bouldering and Lead climbing, along with opportunities to participate in local events throughout the season.
Athletes can progress from qualifying events to the Provincial Championships, followed by Regional Championships for top-performing athletes. From there, athletes may qualify for the Youth National Championships, creating a pathway toward the Canadian Youth National Team and international competition, including the Youth World Championships.
Explore Our Climbing Pathways
For details about our Competitive and High-Performance Climbing Programs, please contact Head Coach Jan Stevenson.
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2794 South Sheridan Way
Oakville, ON L6J 7T4, Canada
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