WATERLOO, Ont. - Things are coming full circle for Laurier's all-time sack leader.

After announcing his retirement from the Canadian Football League (CFL) on July 20, Kwaku Boateng (BBA '18) will return to the Golden Hawks this season as a defensive line coach.

Hailing from Milton, Ont., the 28-year-old played five seasons in the CFL after being picked in the fifth round of the 2017 draft by the Edmonton Elks. Over four seasons in Alberta, Boateng recorded 83 total tackles, 25 sacks, and one forced fumble in 64 career games.

Becoming a starter in 2018, he recorded nine sacks and was the team's nominee for the league's Most Outstanding Canadian.

After signing with the Ottawa Redblacks in 2022, Boateng missed the entire season due to a torn Achilles he suffered in training camp. After a brief stop with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at the start of this summer, he ultimately made the decision to hang up his cleats to protect his health and pursue other aspirations, despite still garnering interest from other CFL teams. 

"We are extremely excited to add Kwaku to our coaching staff," said Laurier's manager of football operations and head coach Michael Faulds. "Kwaku had one of the most impressive U SPORTS and CFL careers. When he recently retired, I quickly congratulated him and asked to meet. 

"His addition will help our whole team greatly and our defensive line, in particular."

Boateng will join former teammate Trevaughan James in working with the defensive line, allowing Associate Head Coach, Defensive Coordinator & Defensive Line Coach Ron VanMoerkerke to watch the defence as a whole.

Inducted to the Golden Hawks Hall of Fame in 2021, Boateng was a two-time OUA first-team All-Star and second-team CIS All-Canadian over his four seasons in the purple and gold. He was named the J.P. Metras Award winner in 2015 as the country's most outstanding university down lineman.

Boateng played an integral role in the team's 2016 Yates Cup victory as well.

"I feel blessed and honoured to be back at Laurier. I still vividly remember my first day on campus back in 2013. There's certainly something magical about this community," said Boateng.

"Working with impactful leaders, like Coach Faulds and Coach V, will definitely sharpen my leadership skills."

The Golden Hawks open the 2023 season on August 26 in Kingston against the Queen's Gaels. Their home opener against the Carleton Ravens is set for Sunday, September 3 at 1 pm.

Single-game and season tickets are available for purchase online now.