Queen's Figure Skating Head Coach Johnny Yap was named the Michael J. Rodden award recipient at the 2022-23 Varsity Clubs Colour Awards. The Rodden Award was first presented in 1978 by the Queen's University Council on Athletics.  It is awarded to an individual for their generous support and goodwill towards the Queen's University Athletics Programs.

Coaching with the Queen's Figure Skating program for over 40 years, Johnny Yap is one of the longest-serving coaches in both Queen's Varsity Sports history and figure skating at the OUA level.  

Yap's introduction to the sport of figure skating was unique, having grown up roller skating in Malaysia. While a student at Queen's, the captain of the figure skating team at the time noticed Johnny and approached him to try out for the team, which led Yap down a long and rewarding road as head coach. 

40 plus years later, and Yap has led Queen's Figure Skating to 14 conference championships, including seven straight from 1995-2001. 

A full-time psychologist, Johnny notes the significant mental component of the sport and has set up strong support systems for his teams throughout the years. Johnny is always quick to give credit to the captains and team for creating a fun and caring atmosphere each year. Yap has kept in contact with several of his student-athletes throughout his tenure and remarks that it "warms his heart to know that the team has provided them with a place and forum to establish long, deep friendships." 

When asked about his coaching philosophy, Yap said "it's all about the journey. The journey is just as important as the destination. So if the journey is nice, whether we win or not, then it brings me back each year." 

For Johnny's distinguished service to Athletics and Recreation, we invite Queen's Figure Skating alumna and former Head Coach Rachel Coens to the stage to present, along with Johnny to accept, the Michael J. Rodden Award.