Naomi McCarthy Appointed Director of Griffith Sports College

Griffith University has announced Naomi McCarthy as the new Director of Griffith Sports College, succeeding Duncan Free OAM. McCarthy’s promotion marks the continuation of an era defined by excellence and innovation in supporting student-athletes, as she has been an integral part of Free’s team since 2016, driving initiatives that have elevated Griffith to global prominence in university sports.

Building on a Legacy of Success

McCarthy steps into her new role following Griffith’s record-breaking performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where 38 athletes—comprising students, alumni, and swimming squad members—secured 24 medals, including 10 gold. Griffith would have ranked 11th on the medal tally if Griffith were considered a country, outperforming nations such as Canada and New Zealand. This achievement underscores Griffith’s leadership position in fostering athletic and academic excellence.

Highlights of Griffith’s Olympic success include:

• Contributions to 34% of Australia’s total medal haul (18 of 53 medals).
• Outstanding performances from female athletes, who won 16 of Griffith’s 24 medals, reflecting the university’s commitment to its Women in Sports Strategy.
• Individual triumphs, including Kaylee McKeown’s dual backstroke golds, Cameron McEvoy’s 50m freestyle gold, and Matt Denny’s historic bronze in men’s discus.

A Proven Leader in Sports Governance

McCarthy brings a wealth of experience to her new role, not only from her tenure at Griffith but also from her extensive leadership positions in sports governance. She is a Non-Executive Director at Queensland Rugby League, a position she has held since 2020, and previously served as a Director at the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) for a decade (2011–2021). These roles have allowed McCarthy to shape strategic initiatives and champion diversity in sports leadership.

Her governance experience complements her illustrious career as an athlete, including being an Olympic gold medalist in water polo at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. This combination of on-field and off-field expertise positions McCarthy to continue Griffith Sports College’s legacy as a global leader in supporting student-athletes.