HPSNZ Announce Latest Intake for Acclaimed Coach Accelerator Programme
High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ) are delighted to announce the latest intake of coaches to the highly acclaimed Coach Accelerator Programme.
Coach Accelerator is a three-year professional development programme aimed at increasing New Zealand’s pool of world-class coaches and coaches selected for the latest intake (Cohort 10) include: Tom Stannard (Rowing), Kirsten Hellier (Athletics), Emily Nolan (Athletics), Cory Sweeney (Rugby), Kiri Wills (Netball), Jude Menezes (Hockey), Robert Walter (Cricket), Brad Mooar (Rugby) and Jody Cameron (Basketball).
Recognising the critical role of coaching to athletes and the wider high performance system, High Performance Sport NZ Chief Executive Michael Scott said:
“The development of world class coaches is a priority for HPSNZ. Through the Coach Accelerator, we aim to help coaches develop their leadership and coaching styles to accelerate their development, so they’re capable of producing more World, Olympic and Paralympic Champions”.
During the three years, the coaches will receive individualised professional development programmes, which include access to coaching mentors, high performance athletes and support personnel, as well as experts from various high performance environments.
“It’s been another quality selection process due to the high calibre of applicants” says Scott.
“When you have the best coaches in the world, leading programmes which are focused on athletes, then you have the critical ingredients for success”
Since inception, there have been 41 graduate coaches and 31 current coaches from 19 sports including current All Black Coach Steve Hansen and Black Caps coach Mike Hesson.
In 2017, athletes and teams coached by Coach Accelerator participants achieved seven Elite World Championship titles, three Junior World Championships, and 19 Elite World Cup titles.
