Geelong AFLW development coach Elise Coventry is among an intake of outstanding coaching talent selected to take part in the 12-month BHP Women's Coaching Academy program.
The AFL named Coventry, a past Cats player, among eight participants for the 2022 program. Other participants include Brisbane Lions duo Lauren Arnell and Emma Zielke, Melbourne captain Daisy Pearce, and Adelaide's Courtney Cramey, as well as Calder Cannons' Jacara Egan, Subiaco FC Women's Pia Faletti, and Macquarie University 's Katherine Smith.
The women involved will also receive mentoring support from inaugural St Kilda AFLW Coach Peta Searle across the 12-month program.
Now in its fourth year, the BHP Women’s Coaching Academy see each participant take part in a comprehensive 12-month program that sees them complete the National AFL Level 3 Coaching Accreditation Course.
The Academy also aims to support and develop the existing women’s coaching group, while identifying and accelerating the development of the next generation of talent.
AFL Coaching Development and Education Manager, Julia Lawrence congratulated the eight women selected for this year’s Academy.
“After three successful years of the BHP Women’s Coaching Academy where we have seen many women progress to more senior coaching positions, it is incredibly exciting to welcome a further eight talented and highly respected women to the 2022 program,” Ms Lawrence said.
“As more players come through the AFLW Competition and seek to transition to off-field, we expect to see more women taking on coaching roles across men’s and women’s programs, which is incredibly pleasing.
“This year alone, we have seen a record number of applications for women’s coaching, and we will continue to work towards ensuring that coaching is viewed as a legitimate pathway for everyone involved in the game.
“We remain absolutely committed to creating legitimate coaching pathways for women and through the Academy, we hope to see emerging talent develop their coaching and skillset to progress to coaching positions at the elite AFL and AFLW level.
“The AFL will continue to support initiatives that encourage and promote women to senior coaching positions, and we look forward to further supporting Clubs in achieving this vision."
BHP Head of Inclusion & Diversity, Fiona Vines echoed Ms Lawrence's congratulations for those selected in the BHP Women's Football Academy and National Level Three Coaching Accreditation.
“Congratulations to the eight participants selected for the 2022 BHP Coaching Academy, and to the further seven women who were identified as exceptional coaching talent for the National Level 3 Coaching Accreditation," Ms Vines said.
"Your desire to up skill and forge new paths for the women of the future will contribute greatly to gender diversity across all levels of Australian Football.
"We are proud to support you on this journey and look forward to seeing the impact of your achievements for many years to come."
