The QAS pilot is part of the Australian Institute of Sport’s (AIS) National Generation 2032 Coach Program which aims to increase the number and diversity of Australia’s high-performance coaches ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The graduating cohort included retired elite athletes surfing champion Chelsea Hedges and Wallaroos flanker Shannon Parry.

Swimming Australia Para Coach Casey Atkins said the diversity of learning opportunities in the program has been valuable to her development as a coach.

“I've really enjoyed the fact that we've not only been able to have lab experiences where we learn about coaching theories we can apply in our daily coaching environments, but we've also been able to learn from mentors and other coaches.”

“The program provided us with new skills we can practice through hands on learning opportunities, which are key to building ourselves as coaches,” she added.

Ms Atkins is one of eight women from the QAS cohort who will be continuing into the AIS National Gen2032 Coach Program for a third year of development and learning.

“It will be fantastic to get a third year of on-the-job training through the national program. It's an awesome development opportunity to be able to continue receiving support from mentors and collaborating with other coaches.”

QAS CEO Chelsea Warr welcomed the additional support from the AIS to further develop the next generation of female high-performance coaches.

“We are grateful for the AIS supporting an additional third year, bolstering the opportunities for more women coaches in the Australian high-performance system.”

Learn more about the QAS and National Gen2032 Coach Programs which form part of the AIS High Performance Coach Development Strategy at National Generation 2032 Coach Program | Australian Institute of Sport (ais.gov.au).