(RDP Athletics/ supplied)

By Ian Gustafson

New Era

RDP Queens basketball names Dante Dinter as new head coach

Jul 4, 2025 | 11:10 AM

The Red Deer Polytechnic Queens basketball team has a new head coach.

Dante Dinter has been hired on ahead of the 2025-26 Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) season.

Most recently, he served as an assistant coach on the MacEwan University Griffins women’s basketball team at the USports level.

“We are excited to welcome Dante to RDP,” said Randy Stewart, Manager, Athletics and Student Life, Red Deer Polytechnic, in a media release. “With both playing and coaching experience at the post-secondary level, Dante is well equipped to foster a supportive environment that empowers student-athletes to develop their skills and reach their potential.”

Dinter replaces former head coach Avery Harrison, who coached three seasons with the Queens, and led them to their first ACAC Championship since the 1991-92 season and a fourth place finish at nationals in 2023.

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Before Dinter’s time with the Griffin’s, he coached the Jasper Place High School team and served as program director and coach for Edmonton’s ITD Panther Basketball Club.

His coaching style is based on player development both on and off the court as he played at the post-secondary level.

He suited up for the Keyano College Huskies and the NAIT Ooks.

“My vision is to recruit student-athletes committed to growth, building a strong team around returning talent at Red Deer Polytechnic,” Dinter said. “Personalized development plans will enhance their academics, skills and leadership. This approach nurtures high-level contributors on the court and within the community while re-establishing the program’s championship pedigree.”

He will begin his new role on July 7 and the season will begin on Oct. 17 when the Queens open the campaign against the NAIT Ooks at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre at 6 p.m.

“I am committed not only to athletic excellence but also to fostering a positive, inclusive team culture where every student-athlete feels empowered to grow as a leader both on and off the court,” he added. “I look forward to the opportunity to bring my passion, experience and dedication to Red Deer Polytechnic and contribute to the continued success of the Queens Basketball program.”

This marks the third known coaching change in RDP athletics this summer, which started with Kings hockey head coach Trevor Keeper accepting a coaching job with the men’s hockey program at the University of Regina. Former assistant Cody Reynolds was named the interim head coach.

Meantime, the Queens hockey program is also searching for a new head coach following the departure of former bench boss Kelly Coulter.