This is the fifth group to undertake the program, focused on helping coaches better identify and support performance pathway athletes. The program is also designed to help coaches gain a deeper understanding of their own values, strengths and styles of communication.

Following the three-day workshop, the cohort will now undertake a 14-week online program before regrouping at the AIS to share insights and put their learnings into practice.

Since first launching in 2020 the program has supported 122 coaches with some already securing new roles such as Emilee Barton as the Australian Women’s Assistant Coach and Janelle Pallister as Griffith University's Swim Club Co-Coach.

The program is a joint initiative with La Trobe University and the University of Sydney and forms part of a large suite of AIS initiatives dedicated to developing the next generation of coaches ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Paralympic and Olympic Games.

More information about the program can be found here: Elevate Coach Program | Australian Institute of Sport (ais.gov.au)

The cohort five coaches include: 

Beau Mitchell, Skate Australia

Ben Senior, Hockey Australia

Jackie Gallagher, Athletics Australia

Brady Lowe, Australian Sailing

Amber Cross, Netball Australia

Christian Fabris, Paddle Australia

Kelly Stirton, Football Australia

Sarah Hiesler, Gymnastics Australia

Alex King, Archery Australia

Harriet Jones, Diving Australia

William Howard, AusCycling

Annabelle Eaton, Rowing Australia

Catherine Berry, Shooting Australia

Brianna Mears, Volleyball Australia

Thomas Calvert, Squash Australia

Peter McKenna, Triathlon Australia

Sonja Johnson, Equestrian Australia

Jason Lees, Wheelchair Rugby

Janna Mizens, Basketball Australia

Matthew Brown, Swimming Australia

Program staff:

AIS – Dr Graham Turner, Bill Davoren, Jamie Salter, Emma Murtagh and Dr Michael Maloney

University of Sydney - Professor Donna O’Connor and Associate Professor Wayne Cotton

La Trobe University –Maris Lidums, Kate Perry and Dr Minh Huynh

Queensland Academy of Sport - Dr Alex Roberts

West Coast Eagles - Glenn Stewart