AISReport Reveals Significant Gains in Female High-Performance Coaching Roles

Australian sport has recorded substantial progress in elite coaching development, with new data from the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) revealing that the number of women in national head coach positions has more than doubled over the past four years.

The Women in High Performance Coaching report shows that female representation across funded national sporting organisations has exceeded 25% for the first time since the initiative was established in 2021 to dismantle systemic barriers.

The push addresses an imbalance within the high-performance sector, where women constitute over half of Australia’s Olympic, Paralympic, and Commonwealth Games squads.

Welcoming the milestone while noting the ongoing commitment required to sustain reform, Australian Sports Commission CEO, Kieren Perkins, said: “Having more women in high performance coaching strengthens Australian sport and helps ensure our athletes are supported by the best possible coaching talent.”

“The fact women’s representation in national head coaching roles has more than doubled since 2021 shows what can be achieved through deliberate, long-term action.

“While progress is encouraging, there is more work to do.

“The report highlights four key areas that drive change, in culture, supportive systems, coach development and visibility, and these will continue to guide our efforts across the sporting system,” Perkins said. 

The roadmap outlines expanded partnerships with sporting organisations and the National Institute Network, backed by frameworks designed to enhance professional retention and career progression.

Sharing the operational necessity of diversifying elite coaching ranks toward Brisbane 2032, AIS director, Matti Clements, said: “Great coaches are essential to Australian sporting success and lifting women’s representation and experience is essential to a world-class high performance system.”

“Women regularly make up more than half of Australia’s Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games teams, yet that has not traditionally been reflected in the coaching space.

“The Women in High Performance Coaching project has helped identify where barriers exist and importantly, what works to address them.

“The progress we’re seeing doesn’t happen without an incredible amount of work and collaboration across sports and the National Institute Network, and this positive momentum provides a strong foundation for continued growth as we build towards Brisbane 2032 and beyond,” Clements said.

Highlighting the direct professional impact of the targeted talent programs, Water Polo head coach, Bec Rippon, shared: “Growing opportunities for women in high-performance coaching is extremely important.”

“The AIS Women in High Performance Coaching program helped me understand who I am, what my characteristics and strengths are, what my defaults and go to behaviours look like, and how to use them well.

“It’s also helped me identify the areas I need to develop and given me the support to grow in those spaces.

“We know there’s a lot of amazing female coaches out there, providing opportunities and development to get them where they need to be is great for Australian sport,” Rippon said. 

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