Accelerated Women’s Coaching Program Launches for 2025

Basketball Victoria hosted participants of the 2025 Accelerated Women’s Coaching Program at the State Basketball Centre on Sunday April 6, officially launching the second edition of the program.

Ten women who aspire to further their coaching progression within the Victorian system were selected to form this year’s cohort, after the success of the program in 2024. The group represents both country and metro Victoria, as well as ten different Associations.

An in-person induction was included in this edition of the program to give the group an opportunity to meet each other and connect before they undertake three online webinars in the lead-up to the immersive experience at the Footlocker U16 National Championships in Bendigo. The group will stay overnight in Bendigo, and shadow Victorian teams at the championships to learn more about the role of a state team coach pressure that comes with leading a team.

Coach Education Manager Rob Coulter welcomed the cohort, providing some of the background into the program and emphasising that the Accelerated Women’s Coaching Program is a failure-free environment.

‘You get out what you put in, and you get to decide what the next steps of your coaching journey are’ Rob said.‘The goal of this program is to give you insight into the realities of coaching at a national championship, and provide you a network for women at similar stages in their coaching careers to support you going forward.

Highly regarded coach and coach educator Dr Julia Walsh then delivered a thought-provoking session on motivation in coaching. April Whiston and Teagan Barry, participants in last year's program attended the induction and provided some insight to the group into what to expect from the experience.

‘This program has been a catalyst in my coaching. It’s provided me with confidence, knowledge, connections and I’ve made new friends who are also on the same coaching journey. It’s really nice to know we have a community of female coaching friends, because it can get pretty daunting coaching against male coaches week in, week out. I can’t recommend this program enough’ April Whiston said.

Women and Girls Participation Coordinator Kat Gourley shared her excitement in being able to offer the program for a second year.

‘Being able to support women coaches as they work towards their goals is such a privilege’ she said. ‘Basketball Victoria is committed to increasing the representation of women coaches across all levels of basketball, and this program provides an excellent platform for the cohort to build a support network as they continue to chase their goals.’

Congratulations to the coaches selected for the 2025 Accelerated Women’s Coaching Program.