Applications for the second year of the Triathlon NSW Inspire 2 Tri program have now opened. If you are a female aged 16 or over and would like to start your coaching journey OR take the next step, this program is for you!

We had a chat with Sheena Carter, who was one of the members of this program in its inaugural year. She shared with us her reasons for becoming a coach, the highlights of the I2T program, key learnings and advice to others looking to enter the world of coaching.

TriNSW: Talk us through why you decided to become a triathlon coach

Sheena: I decided to become a triathlon coach for a couple of very different reasons. Firstly, because we have an amazing triathlete and coach at our Scone Tri Club (nod to Nicky Western) who asked myself and another club member if we were interested, and she’s hard to say no to! The second reason is to ‘give back’ and share some of the things I have learnt with others and thirdly, to keep learning more about the awesome sport of triathlon for myself!

TriNSW: You were part of the Inspire 2 Tri program in its inaugural year (2022). What were some of the benefits and highlights of this program for you?

Sheena: It was fantastic having the face to face session in Sydney with other course participants and mentors; such a great bunch of people, all so willing to share. We were also privileged to have some legends of Australian sport as guest speakers, such as Kerri Pottharst - inspirational plus! The course work was interesting (and definitely different to my day to day work!) and I learnt a lot from it, both about coaching, but also organisational structures, compliance and governance in the world of triathlon. 

TriNSW: What are some of the key things you learnt from the Foundation Coaching course you completed last year?

Sheena: I learnt about the importance of learning from others: what has worked, what hasn’t, don’t be afraid to try new things etc. I also learnt to surround yourself with people who have similar values and goals to you; the triathlon community is full of very generous people who are all very supportive of each other. There are quite a number of excellent resources in the course, such as useful templates, checklists and even podcasts (check out Working with Parents in Sport podcast).

TriNSW: Describe your coaching style(s) and coaching philosophy.

Sheena: Ha, my coaching style… well I have been fortunate enough to become Assistant Coach to Nicky Western at the Northern Inland Academy of Sport (NIAS) this season. So I am lucky to have such a great mentor to talk to and continue learning from to help develop my  approach and style (I work full time in a completely non sport-related industry- the dairy industry!) I would describe my coaching philosophy as supportive, positive and encouraging. We need people to enjoy the sport and stay involved in it!

TriNSW: What would you say to the girls and women out there who may be interested in becoming a triathlon coach?

Sheena: These opportunities don’t come around very often, so even if you are only half thinking about it, raise your hand the whole way up and give it a go!

CLICK HERE to complete an expression of interest for the Inspire 2 Tri (I2T) program.

If successful, the I2T will allow you to complete a Foundation or Development Coaching Course for FREE.