Trent University is welcoming back Joe Muldoon to lead its men's curling program as head coach for the 2026-27 season. The announcement was made on May 13, 2026, signaling a new chapter for the Trent Excalibur men's curling team.
A Familiar Face Returns to the Men's Bench
Muldoon is no stranger to the Trent curling program. He previously held the position of head coach for the men's team from 2016 to 2022. Following this tenure, he moved to coach the women's program after the retirement of longtime coach Dave Farnell. His return to the men's team comes after a successful period for the program under former head coach Brad Robinson, which saw the Excalibur secure their first Ontario University Athletics (OUA) playoff berth since 2013 and achieve a top-eight finish in the province during the 2025-26 campaign.
Nathan McFadden, Trent University's Director of Athletics and Recreation, expressed enthusiasm for Muldoon's return, highlighting his extensive coaching experience and his proven ability to develop competitive student-athletes. McFadden emphasized that Muldoon is an integral part of the program's ongoing success.
Building on Recent Success and Developing Athletes
Muldoon himself shared his excitement about returning to the men's team. He looks forward to continuing the development of Trent's student-athletes, aiming to foster success at both the OUA and U SPORTS levels. His coaching philosophy has consistently focused on athlete development, a trait that has earned him accolades in the past.
During his time with the women's team, Muldoon's coaching efforts were recognized when he was named the Ontario University Athletics Women's Curling Coach of the Year in the 2022-23 season. In the 2024-25 season, he transitioned to a lead assistant coaching role, while his son, Dillon Muldoon, took over the women's program. Under Dillon Muldoon's guidance, the women's team achieved its best provincial finish since 2008, securing a fourth-place finish in Ontario during the 2025-26 season. This indicates a strong foundation and continued success within Trent's curling programs.
Looking Ahead to the 2026-27 Season
The university expressed confidence in its strong curling coaching staff, with Muldoon being a key figure. His return to the men's program is expected to build upon the recent breakthroughs and further elevate the team's performance in the competitive OUA and U SPORTS circuits. The 2026-27 season will likely see Muldoon focusing on refining strategies and nurturing the talent of the Trent Excalibur curlers as they aim for continued success in collegiate curling.