High Performance Announcement
The final pieces of the High-Performance Coaching and Selection Panels have been put into place.
There have been a number of changes due to some of last season’s volunteers not being able to continue.
Long standing Men’s Open Team Coach Tony Hockey has stepped down after doing a mountain of work over many years. Tony was not only involved in the men’s teams, but also the women’s players before that. We thank Tony very much his contribution in the High-Performance area and wish him well for the future.
Kyle Mcilroy was only with the team for one season but was a valuable member and will be missed. Kyle has many years ahead of him and we look forward to seeing what his future holds.
In the Open Teams, Therese Hastings continues her role as Women’s Coach and Open Team selector, while Pieter Harris returns as Open Team selector and Men’s Coach.
Laura Butler joins the open team selection panel for the first time. Laura is unavailable for state selection as she will be taking the opportunity to represent Switzerland in the upcoming World Championships. While it is a blow for the Women’s State Team, it is a win for the selection panel with Laura’s intimate knowledge of both the men’s and women’s players.
Lindsay Thorn also joins the open team selection panel and will add experience in all areas. Lindsay will also take a hands-on role with some coaching of the men’s squad.
Margaret Anderson will continue her role on the Over 60’s Selection Panel and will be joined for the first time by Gordon King. Gordon retired from the men’s team at the end of the last series, so brings a firsthand view on what is required to go forward in the future.
Kelli Wray will use her extensive knowledge in her appointment in the Under 18’s coaching and selection role. Kelli has a passion for Under 18 development and has already done extensive work in that area.
New BWA Academy coach Geoff Watson has already begun work in his new role taking over from Linda Warburton. Linda has done an outstanding job in the academy area and hand the role over in good shape. Geoff has a lot of experience and will work closely with the Men’s and Women’s Open team coaches and selectors in building his players up into the next line of state players.
Rounding out the selection panels is the continuing role of Kerry Andersen as the Chair of all selection panels. Kerry has volunteered many hours in this role, and we are excited and extremely grateful to have her continued input.
All the appointments are for the upcoming National Events in October at Sorrento BC and Joondalup BC. All positions will become vacant in November 2023.
