10 May 2023
The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) continues to support the next generation of coaches with the Diving Australia Pathway Program recently benefiting from an AIS Coach Development Program grant.
The grant aims to support Australia’s high performance sport system by helping to identify, develop, attract and retain world-class coaches who can enhance the experiences and success of Australian athletes. During the last financial year, Diving Australia was one of 13 sports to receive funding totalling $425,000.
Diving Australia used part of their grant to connect 18 diving coaches including AIS National Generation 32 Coaches Ashleigh Meneses and Rebecca Stafford.
The coaches, along with CEO Alex Newton and Performance Director Steve Foley, enjoyed an exclusive face-to-face session with trailblazing basketball coach Fleur McIntyre at Chandler Aquatic Centre in Brisbane.
McIntyre shared her journey of becoming one of the first woman coaches in the National Basketball League as the Assistant Coach for the Sydney Kings.
"It was such a privilege to spend time with Diving Australia's coaches and athletes, and what struck me most was the authentic connection and mutual respect the coaches have for each other, as they strive to provide an elite training environment that is also built with compassion and care for their athletes,” said McIntyre.
Dual Olympian and current QAS Diving Coach Vyninka Arlow said: “Fleur showed such openness about her journey and how she uses the support structure around her and the team, and it was great to hear her discuss the similarities of working with different personalities as all coaches do.”
“Great to spend the day with someone so passionate about their job and sport. Everyone enjoyed the day thoroughly and we can’t wait to go and watch the Sydney Kings in action!”