Ducharme had previously served as assistant coach to the men's team during their successful World Championship campaign in 2006, and their silver medal finish at the 2007 Parapan American Games.

A former player, the Quebec native takes on the role as they look to qualify for next year's World Championships in Germany.

He is also general manager of Parasports Quebec and has coached and played in the Canada Games, representing his home province.

"It is with great pleasure that I have accepted the role to lead the Canadian senior women's national team," said Ducharme.

"This is an opportunity that does not come along every day and I intend to lead the team to success.

"This year's goal is to qualify the team for the 2018 World Championship in Germany at the qualification tournament of the Americas in Colombia at the end of August.

"The collective effort of our team and the intensity of our training are two things that I do not compromise on and I am sure that this group of athletes has these types of qualities and has what it takes to get back to the top of the podium and qualify for the upcoming World Championship."