SWSAS TimeOut
Academy Shines Bright at Regional Games
Over 150 athletes from seven of the Academy's sport programs took to the challenge of the 2025 Your Local Club NSW Regional Academy Games held in Tamworth in April, with great success.
PAGE 9
Our Strongest Athlete Lifting Region’s Hopes
From deep in the heart of South West Sydney, an ambitious young female by the name of Indi Wilson is lifting the region’s hopes, representing not just the Academy, through her journey to the Oceania stage in the sport of Olympic Weightlifting.
Coaching Local Talent from Paddock to Podium
Over 150 Regional Academy Coach and Support Staff from across NSW descended on the Central Coast for two days of learning at the bi-annual Coach and Performance Conference
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SWSAS TimeOut
‘TimeOut is the official quarterly magazine proudly produced in-house by the South West Sydney Academy of Sport for our South West Sydney community.
‘TimeOut’ is published four times per year, with Editions published in March, June, September and December. Additional more frequent calendar updates, ‘The GamePlan’ are published on the Academy's social media channels to keep up to date with current and upcoming events.
For editorial or advertising enquiries, please email media@swsas org au
South West Sydney Academy of Sport
Chairperson: Peter Campbell
Chief Executive Officer: Gerry Knights
Sport Programs and Operations Manager: Stephen Craig
Sport Administration Officer: Abby Wijesekera
Sport Administration Officer: Tahlia Febbo
Performance Support Officer: Daniel Morris
Academy Chaplain: Rev Jim Dayhew
Contact the Academy:
Ph: (02) 4627 7622
Email: sport@swsas.org.au
Visit: 2/298 Queen St Campbelltown, NSW 2560
Post: PO Box 307 Macarthur Square, NSW 2560
Images provided by Academy Staff, or supplied by athletes, coach or support staff. Additional images used by permission from Luke Fuda Photography and Regional Academies of Sport Inc. Cover Image:
The gameplan DatesfortheDiary Presents
Liverpool Performance Enrichment Program
Thursday 10 - Friday 11 July. 2025
Thomas Hassall Anglican College, Middleton Grange
Indigenous Athlete Program Cultural Immersion
Monday 14 July, 2025
Killalea Regional Park, Shellharbour
Bingara Gorge Netball Block 2 Commences
Sunday 27 July, 2025
Thomas Hassall Anglican College, Middleton Grange
SWSAS / Bring it On Flag Football Program Commences
Monday 28 July, 2025
Victoria Park, Minto
th
28 Academy Athlete Graduation and Sport Awards Dinner
Friday 8 August, 2025
The Cube, Campbelltown Catholic Club, Campbelltown
Indigenous Athlete Talent Identification Day
Friday 12 August, 2025
Minto Indoor Sports Centre, Minto
RASi Academy Netball Challenge
Saturday 27 - Monday 29 September, 2025
Illawarra Sports Stadium, Berkeley
Coach Connect Mutli-cultural Coach Conference
Sunday 12 October, 2025
Wests League Club, Campbelltown
Female Leadership Development Camp
Monday 3 - Friday 7 November, 2025
Northern NSW
The Academy has the internal expertise to implement a marketing strategy and promotion program with year-round activities, targeted at key market areas, appropriate to its corporate partner needs.
The ability of the Academy to be heavily involved with state-wide and local community promotions, to continue to support its ever-increasing community presence is a win-win, for its corporate partners and the Academy.
The Academy has the opportunity to reach tens of thousands of people on a very regular basis. This is achieved due to its servicing of 24 varied sports and having the direct link to their state sporting organisations, their associations, and individual clubs Something no other not-for profit sporting organisation can provide in South West Sydney
The provision of currently appropriate sports skill programs, and strength and conditioning programs across so many sporting disciplines, is a monumental task, and I congratulate all involved with the development and delivery of such high-quality opportunities and education.
Looking from the inside out, it is easy to gain the impression that the Academy never sleeps, something is being provided 7-days and most nights of the week.
As you will read within this edition, the Academy has also undertaken a massive coach education program, to assist in the development of all levels of coaches, for the betterment of the Academy, plus local associations, and clubs; and the Academy is committed to continuing these opportunities, during 2025. If you wish to be involved, please contact the Academy.
These Academy service provisions are absolutely amazing; but as we continue to grow, there are excellent opportunities for the corporate world to join the Academy family and feel the satisfaction of also supporting the ‘Dreams’ of our up-and-coming sports stars, as they work towards their own personal sporting goal. Any assistance in identifying potential corporate partners is also most welcome.
In this our June and final financial year edition, it is most appropriate that on behalf of the whole Academy, we thank South 32 Illawarra Coal, the Academy’s Platinum Partner, for its long-term support, as it transitions into GM3 I Metallurgical Mining.
I once again thank our 'Naming Rights' partner the Campbelltown Catholic Club plus our four local Councils and all of our highly supportive corporate partners, who have continued to support the development of our region’s up and coming sporting stars and coaches; as we look towards the up coming Commonwealth Games, the 2028 Los Angeles, and the highly anticipated 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games, and basking in the enjoyment of watching our/your, very own local athletes in action.
Gerry Knights
Gerry Knights, CEO
Venue: The Cube, Campbelltown Catholic Club
Date: Friday 08 August
Time: 6:00pm for 6:30pm
Dress Code: Semi-Formal
Cost: One Complimentary Ticket per Athlete
$80 each (plus booking fee) for Parents/Guardians, Family or Friends (VIP Options are available)
Includes an indulgent three course dinner, plus excellent entertainment
RSVP your attendance, and purchase additional tickets using the QR Code or visit swsas.org.au/awardsnight
Academy Shines Bright at Regional Games
The South West Sydney Academy of Sports showed up with something to prove at the 2025 Your Local Club Regional Academy Games and an impressive list of results, following a weekend of high-level competition and inspiring performances across eight sports
Held in April and hosted by the Northern Inland Academy of Sport, the Games welcomed some of New South Wales’ most promising young athletes to Tamworth. As expected, the South West Sydney Academy of Sport’s athletes rose to the occasion, showcasing grit, teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the tournament
Basketball
Our ‘UAA’ Basketball squad was provided a different kind of challenge for this year's Games, with the boys team initially short on numbers, due to various Metro Basketball league commitments held over the same weekend
Thanks to the support of the host Academy (Northern Inland), who loaned us several players, our Academy boys were able to compete. They made the most of the opportunity, gaining valuable experience while demonstrating resilience and a strong team culture. Whilst not able to participate on the final day, again due to athletes various commitments back in Sydney, the squad definitely continued its upward trajectory of improvement across the weekend.
Softball
With the re-inclusion of Softball into the Academy Games program, after a brief five year absence, our ‘The Mac’ Softball Squad made their re-appearance one to remember, with impressive results to match
The girls team claimed bronze, while the boys brought home silver in what was described as a campaign rich with spirit and support. The squad already looking ahead to returning in 2026 with the intent of stepping up to the top of the podium.
Volleyball
One of the standout results came from our ‘Multiquip’ Volleyball squad, where the Academy has long been a dominant force. The boys Academy 1 team secured their fourth consecutive gold medal at the Regional Academy Games level, while the girls Academy 1 team finished with silver
The boys Academy 2 team, who just missed out on making it an all-SWSAS final, won praise for their determination and infectious energy throughout the weekend With a much younger squad participating in this year's event, one can only beg to ask the question... How much higher can this squad climb?
Hockey
For our ‘Club Menangle' Hockey squad, 2025 proved to be every bit the challenge expected. Participating across four teams within the two, female and male age groups it required the assistance of fellow Regional Academies to ensure an even playing field
Both of the Academy's under-16s teams battled hard throughout the tournament, narrowly missing out on finals. Their continued work ethic showing improvement with every game
Further collaboration between the Regional Academy network saw our Academy’s U18 boys team, merging with Western Sydney Academy of Sport, to take home the silver medal, while the U18 girls, who teamed up with the Northern Inland Academy of Sport, also secured a precious silver medal to cap off their weekend.
Triathlon
For the ‘Simec Tahmoor Coking Coal’ Triathlon squad, the Academy’s athletes performed strong, both as individuals and as a team thereby earning commendations for their consistency, encouragement of others, and exemplary sportsmanship across the course. Leading all academy athletes to agree that they are all are looking forward to returning to Tamworth in April 2026 for the next edition of the Regional Academy Games.
SWSAS SWSAS
Netball and Netball Umpires
Our ‘Bingara Gorge’ Netball squad delivered a competitive campaign against some very tough competition, with the Academy’s Division 1 team finishing fourth. Whilst the Division 2 team went that little bit further in claiming bronze.
The highlight of the tournament though was the Division 1 team coming from 7 goals down at half time to defeat the Central Coast Academy of Sport by 8 goals! An incredible momentum changing effort that inspired both athletes and spectators alike.
Individual honours over the weekend went to Ella Webster and Anah-lee Moli, who were both named team MVP’s for their efforts, as well as Telina Seisun, who was awarded the Academy Games Netball Umpire Rising Star Award As well as having the honour of umpiring the Division 1 Grand Final.
Golf
On the Golf course, after two days of individual match play to decide the make up of the Teams competition, the Academy’s ‘Campbelltown Golf Club’ athletes found themselves competing in Division 2
Mind you, the highlight moment of most probably the entire Academy Games came from Ariana Abella, who achieved a rare hole-in-one on the third hole at Tamworth Golf Course, earning applause from not just across the tournament, but the entire Regional Academy network.
The almost all-female contingent from the Academy battled hard across three days of close and at times intense competition.
The Your Local Club Academy Games are coordinated by the Regional Academies of Sport, with strong support from the NSW Government’s Office of Sport and long-time partner, Your Local Club The Games continue to provide a crucial development platform for young athletes across the state.
Our Academy’s CEO, Gerry Knights, said the event was a celebration of youth sport and regional talent “Our athletes continue to grow through these competitions,” he said. “The results are only part of the story; we are just as proud of how they carried themselves throughout ”
As the Academy looks ahead to its next block of development, the results from Tamworth will serve as both a confidence boost and a reminder of what is possible when preparation meets opportunity.
Our ‘Strongest Athlete’ Lifting Regions Hopes
From deep in the heart of South West Sydney, an ambitious young female is redefining strength. And not just in the amount of weight being lifted, but in the resolve to chase greatness.
Indianna Wilson is an Olympic Weightlifter, and member of the South West Sydney Academy of Sport’s Wests Future Stars program, and with the support of the Academy, is building herself a future carved from discipline, sacrifice and an unwavering love for her sport.
“Technically, I started when I was eleven,” she recalls. “I came through CrossFit, and the moment I learned the Olympic lifts that were apart of CrossFit, I knew that’s all I wanted to do and focus on ” Olympic Weightlifting is not a sport for the faint of heart. It demands precision, resilience and an inner fire that must burn through injury, self-doubt and the isolating nature of an individual sport. Not to be confused with powerlifting, the sport's goals lie within the title, as Wilson often reminds those who asked, this is the discipline where you get to compete for your nation on the world's biggest stage, the Olympic Games
And for Wilson, each snatch, clean and jerk, represents a step towards something larger Not just the accolades that come with success, but the self-gratification of having attained a goal she once thought was impossible, the opportunity to compete at a home Olympic Games.
Under the guidance of elite mentors, such as five-time Olympic Diver Melissa Wu and the support from her home club and training facility, along with the Academy, have built her into a force to be reckoned with on the lifting platform.
“The strength and conditioning I get from the Academy is amazing,” said Wilson, reflecting on those ‘one percenters’ that sets Academy sport programs apart from an athletes ordinary training environment, Wilson adds, “More than that, I have learned how critical sleep, nutrition and mental preparation are. These are the things most athletes overlook.”
Wilson is fast becoming a strong advocate and student of the importance of practicing to be a holistic athlete and utilising the resources around you to build a bank of knowledge to excel in all aspects of being an elite athlete, and to create a point of difference between competitors.
This level of focus has led to Wilson reaching a milestone many athletes only dream of representing Australia on the International stage. Wilson recalls stepping onto the platform in the green and gold kit for the first time, “It felt well, actually insane! The hard part was over On that platform, you just get to enjoy the moment.”
And enjoy the moment she did, returning from the recent Oceania Youth Championships with a Silver Medal, as well as holding three National Youth Records in the 80kg Snatch, 100kg Clean and Jerk, and 180kg Total.
Yet, as an athlete at her level of high performance, and expectations, injury setbacks become progressively inevitable as Wilson attempts to push her body to achieve her optimal performance outcomes.
With multiple injuries including a severe back injury and nerve issues in her neck, both of which left her questioning whether she would be able to lift again, she has had to trace back to the burning passion that made her start in the first place.
“You can quickly lose 50 kilos from your total (weight you can lift) You wonder if you will ever lift the same (weight) again,” she admits. “But then, you pick up the bar, and remember you can never give this up, as long as you are better than you were yesterday ”
In the world of Olympic Weightlifting, the physical demands of the sport often overshadow the mental resolve needed to be successful. Beyond the physicality lies a game of control, of breathwork, nerves and belief. Before every lift, Wilson resets with a single, deep breath, grounding herself in repetition and ritual. “I remind myself that I have done this lift a million times. Nothing is different.”
Despite being in her final year of high school, juggling elite sport and study, Wilson remains unshaken in her priorities “Sport always comes first Its my goal in life That means sacrifices, but I’m willing ”
Soon, Wilson will move from the youth category into the under-20 junior ranks, where competition stiffens and qualifying totals jump. Yet Wilson sees this as a chance to prove herself, with her eyes set on one day taking on the Olympic stage, she reminds herself that small progress and unshakeable determination will pave the way for her future
And outside of aiming for her own success, she has a realisation that to compete at the highest level, it helps if your competitors are just as hungry and ready as you are. Hence, the desire to give back as much to the sport that she herself has gained.
With a Level 1 coaching accreditation already under her belt, Wilson is helping guide young lifters to follow in her footsteps. With the ability to assist in local competitions as a coach, Wilson has been able to reflect on her own processes leading into a competition and has gained a new respect for both her sport and the people who guide her as an athlete.
“It’s a passion,” she explains. “Seeing a young lifters face light up when they lift a five-kilo bar that joy is unmatched.” Observing other before a lift. “Some people screa the process. Not just theirs, but m
When asked what advice she w her response, “Take care of you If you build the foundation early
In a sport often reduced to something far more complex.
For her it remains a quiet test heaviest bar but showing up w mornings and late evenings, in t when the true challenge emerge
Testing yourself, even when th Weightlifting, it is not the weight
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‘Tuning the Bike’ a Launchpad
for
Athlete Success
As BMX coach, Dan Morris says, "An educated athlete is a successful athlete." Through his work at the South West Sydney Academy of Sport, Morris is proving just that, through crafting programs, creating opportunities and redefining what it means to prepare young athletes for high performance sport.
Morris, pictured above with Bounceback Physio's Cam Champion, and AIS Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach, James Tatham, is not only at the forefront of the Academy's BMX program, but he is a driving force behind the Academy's Performance Enrichment Program.
The program, which was piloted during Term 1 and 2 throughout the Wollondilly region, aims to target aspiring athletes aged 12 to 18, especially those who may not yet be involved with the Academy, and exposes them to high performance environments, advanced training techniques and the pathways available to reach elite levels.
"The idea is to educate athletes in areas they may not have encountered yet, including nutrition, recovery and injury prevention, to allow them to align with the expectations of high level organisation’s like NSWIS or the AIS," Morris explained. "We have had sports come through the program that are not traditionally offered by the Academy, which is exciting and expands the net of opportunity."
Set to launch a second round of the program in Liverpool during the July School Holidays, the Performance Enrichment sessions will include sprint clinic’s with high performance educators, seminars on bio mechanics and injury prevention and practical skill application across different sports, all across a jam-packed two days, during the school holidays.
Morris’ dual perspective, as a coach and as a student studying to attain a Master of Physiotherapy, makes him uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between theory and practical as a coach
His background in human movement science and strength and conditioning has shaped the evolution of the Academy's BMX program into one that supports long term athlete development.
"We have always had a solid foundation, but over the past few years we have redefined the behind-thescenes aspects of the program. “It’s about aligning our grassroots athletes with high performance systems."
This approach will soon be on full display, as the South West Sydney region will be hosting the BMX National Championships at the Macarthur BMX Club later this year, giving local riders the rare opportunity to compete at a national level on home soil. "It's going to be huge for them," Morris says. "They know this track better than anyone. That familiarity is going to give them a real edge."
Morris’ own journey into BMX began in his youth in Tamworth, sparked by a photo of his Dad riding in the 80's He is not only mentoring the next generation, but he is still competing himself, with a World Championship race coming up in August, he has his sights set high on cracking the top eight globally. "It's a balancing act; coaching, competing and studying," he said. "You need to set realistic goals and stay consistent. But the love for the sport makes it all worthwhile."
He is also passionate about building pathways for others, noting that since the South West Sydney Academy of Sport launched its BMX program, both the Illawarra and Western Sydney Academies have followed suit, making the Academy a true pioneer in regional BMX development.
When asked what advice athlete, Morris did not he yourself. If you want to g place than the Academy A best foundations you can h lot of elite road and track cy and Cadel Evans, started track."
As for his coaching philo humble, evidence-based a magic formula. It is about t been proven to work, tail delivering it in a way th athlete." And that is exact one athlete, one lesson and ---
Athletes and coaches will b the coming months, as he jo position of Performance S oversee the sport by spor Strength and Conditioning sport testing and movement g
Swim Stars Training For a Golden Future
Two rising talents from the South West Sydney Academy of Sports West Future Stars program are making waves on the national stage, with their sights firmly set on the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. Teenage swimmers Ava Olic and Lily Murakami are already proving themselves as formidable competitors and their journey has only just begun.
The pair have recently represented not just their region and home club Atlantis Swim Club, but the entire State of NSW at the Australian National Swimming Championships, held at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre, in April.
Between them, they competed in a remarkable array of events; Murakami competed in nine individual races, with Olic having competed as a part of the Freestyle Medley Relay team, and obtaining a new PB. Olic shared some advice from her experience stating, "Don't overthink it, because when you get up there it is never as scary as you thought it was going to be." Murakami impressively finished 8th in the nation for the 200m Butterfly, and 6th in the nation for the 200m Freestyle. Their drive, discipline and strong team bond marking them as standout athletes in the making
Murakami’s love for the water began early, when her mum introduced her to mums-and-bubs swim classes As her natural talent emerged, she progressed through school carnivals and eventually joined Camden's Atlantis Swim Club, where she began racing competitively and earned her first state qualifying times Now specialising in butterfly, Murakami trains more than 11 hours each week across eight demanding sessions.
"My parents turn on the light in the morning, it's then up to me if I get up and go. I choose to put my swimmers on," Murakami says. "It's usually a struggle to get in the pool, but I remind myself of my end goal and what I want to achieve."
That goal, in standing on the podium at a home Olympic Games in Brisbane 2032, is one she shares with Olic, her training partner and close personal friend.
Olic’s own swimming journey began at just six months old, where she learned to swim alongside her parents. She steadily progressed through lessons and school competitions, eventually earning a spot in the senior squad and earning the right to compete at CIS School, and State Championship levels "It really started to get serious when I was swimming in school carnivals," Olic said. "That was when I realised this was something I wanted to do."
Now training six times a week, Olic balances her sporting ambitions with her education. "I prioritise school over swimming because education means a lot to me," she said "But I would often think about higher levels of swimming like Nationals and about how much I wanted to work for it, so I get up in the morning (and train) just for that (goal) "
Freestyle is Olic’s stroke of choice, and she thrives on chasing down her personal bests and aiming for those ever-important qualifying times Whilst swimming can often be viewed as a lonely, individual sport, Olic says the support of her swim team and training partners makes all the difference. "You're able to build a safe environment with your teammates where you can express yourself and push each other to be better," she says.
“Lily really inspires me," Olic said "She better."
Both athletes credit their families and giving special thanks to her grandfath training sessions. Their support for one a
With this year's Nationals campaign them, both athletes continue their dev by undertaking a regular streng conditioning program through the A West Future Stars program, with weekly at Bounceback Physio, one of the Ac many strength and conditioning facilities.
This targeted support is helping to b physical resilience and enhance perform they prepare for the rigors of el competition. And with an uns determination, a shared vision, and a co rallying behind them, Olic and Murakam just dreaming of Olympic Gold, they are tirelessly to earn their place.
Former Board Member Honoured as Emeritus Professor
recent graduation ceremonies This distinguished honour acknowledges his exceptional service and enduring contributions to both the University and the broader field of health sciences.
With a career defined by leadership, innovation and a deep commitment to student and community wellbeing, Professor Kolt has left a profound legacy in higher education, health science research and regional sport development The Emeritus title is reserved for those who have demonstrated extraordinary academic and professional service, and in Kolt’s case, it is a fitting testament to a career that has spanned decades of achievement.
From 2009 to 2023, Professor Kolt was a key member of the Academy’s Board, serving with dedication and vision During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in guiding the Academy’s strategic direction, ensuring its programs continued to support the development of aspiring young athletes across South West Sydney His passion for education made him a valued mentor and respected voice in the organisation.
Within Western Sydney University, Professor Kolt held various senior academic roles, including Head of the Faculty of the School of Science and Health, where he championed multidisciplinary research and development Through his research and leadership, he advanced critical conversations and offered valuable mentorship. While Kolt has always supported a humble presence, those who have worked alongside him agree that his contributions have been anything but modest.
Kolt’s Emeritus recognition comes at a moment when health, sport and community engagement are more interconnected than ever His career exemplifies how universities and local institutions can work together to improve lives through education, physical activity, and positive leadership.
As he transitions into this new chapter, the title of Emeritus Professor serves as a formal recognition of a career that has not only enriched Western Sydney University but also left a lasting mark on the Academy The South West Sydney Academy of Sport congratulates Professor Gregory Kolt on this milestone and again thanks him for his long years of outstanding service, commitment and leadership.
Coaching Local Talent From Paddock to Podium
Held in late May and hosted by the Central Coast Academy of Sport, the 2025 Regional Academies of Sport Coach and Performance Conference proved to be a milestone event for the Academy's coaching talent, with representatives stepping up to share, learn and lead amongst the state's top-tier coaching community.
Themed Paddock to Podium, which proved a fitting reflection of sports long term pathway from grassroots participation to elite performance, saw over 150 Coach and performance support personnel from all eleven NSW Regional Academies of Sport gather for two days of professional development, networking and shared purpose. Amongst them for the third edition of the conference, was a record ten coach and support staff from our own South West Sydney Academy of Sport.
For Emily Paulic (pictured on the next page), a young up and coming Academy coach within the Basketball and 3x3 Basketball programs, the experience was an invaluable opportunity to learn from the best; and add to the bank of knowledge she has gained from being a part of the wider Academy's coach development and education programs.
"Being able to give back to the future athletes of basketball coming through our program is a great opportunity, and getting to learn from the head coach of the program is invaluable to me," said Paulic, who highlighted the impact of the conference topics such as strength and conditioning and sports nutrition.
"The conference has been based a lot on the strength and conditioning and nutrition side of elite performance, which has been great for me also as an athlete, and to be able to bring that back to the Academy in a coaching capacity will be excellent." Added Paulic.
Reflecting on her coaching journey, she added, "the most rewarding part of being a coach is not just getting to see how far the program has come, especially the 3x3 (Basketball) program But getting to watch the athletes develop throughout the program. Getting to be a part of their journey is very fulfilling."
In attendance at his first Regional Academies of Sport Coach and Performance conference was Daniel Medd (pictured below), head coach of the South West Sydney Academy's inaugural Baseball Program. For Medd, the conference underscored the vital role that regional initiatives play in expanding access to sport. "The kids are super excited that there is a program for baseball in our area. This is something that has been in the making for a long time," Medd said.
Medd emphasised the long-term potential for athletes in the program. "It's another avenue to get them overseas. These days with programs like these, they have exposure and get good insight into what is out there for them, where they can continue to play the sport that they love."
The Regional Academies of Sport Coaches Conference is a bi-annual highlight on the Academy's coach development calendar, designed to upskill and celebrate the states network of volunteer and professional coaches who contribute to the athlete pathway.
With a lineup of inspiring guest speakers including Judo Olympians Josh and Nathan Katz, the event delivered strategic insight into athlete development and high-performance coaching Both athletes have worked closely with the South West Sydney Academy of Sport and served as strong role models for the region’s aspiring a
In addition to the Katz brothers, those who attended gained great insights into the highperformance sport pathways from those at NSWIS, the AIS, as well as key figures in professional sport, including AFL coaching legend Rodney Eade, and netball's Lisa Beehag. Both coaches sharing insights and stories into what worked, and at times what didn’t work within their coaching journey.
As we continue to gain momentum in the development of Australia’s future Olympic and Paralympic athletes leading into Brisbane 2032, the South West Sydney Academy of Sport recognises the conference’s impact in elevating local coaching talent and strengthening Regional pathways
Passion and Purpose Meet On
and Off the Court
Basketball for some is more than just a game, and for young up and coming talent Emily Paulic, basketball provides a purpose, a passion and a powerful way to give back to her community.
With the recent Regional Academy Games and 3x3 Hustle Nationals campaign concluding her fourth year as a player and second year as a coach with the South West Sydney Academy of Sport, Paulic's journey is as inspiring as it is impressive.
Yet would you believe her passion for sport began on the soccer field as a young six year old, but when her brother made the switch to basketball, Emily followed and found something far greater than she had expected.
"I realised that Basketball was the sport I loved and what I wanted to do for the rest of my life," she says Paulic did not take a traditional path through the Academy trials process, with her Mum managing the program, with Paulic tagging along, carefully watching and learning, then heading home to hone her new found skills. Yet when the coaching staff needed an additional female player at one training session, she took the opportunity to jump in, and ended up as a train-on player for the remainder of the season.
The next year, she trialled for the Academy and officially earned her place within the high performance squad. Since then, she has grown into a dual force for the Academy, through balancing her development in both representative (and traditional 5v5) basketball and as one of the Academy's foundation 3x3 female basketball athletes. Not to mention taking on a deep commitment to learning the coaching game, where she has been an apprentice and now assistant coach within the Academy's boys Basketball program.
"Even though I am still a player, I love giving back to younger players coming through," Paulic says. "When I got the opportunity to coach with the Academy, I jumped at it."
Her approach to coaching is holistic and athlete-centered, inspired by her then Under 14's representative coach, who taught her the value of being your authentic self, both on and off the court. "He taught me that basketball is not always about winning or losing. It's about the small improvements," she explains. "That's the biggest thing I have taken into my own coaching."
Paulic is grounded in gratitude and powered by perspective, which led her to be able to not just compete with the Academy 18 Girls side at the 3x3 Hustle National Championships, held in Geelong in April, but finish third in the nation.
Paulic expressed that her mental preparation, especially in high pressure games such as the 3x3 Hustle Nationals, involves reflection, as she states, "I think of all the good moments and games I have had as a reminder of what I am capable of."
Paulic also understands the physicality that 3x3 basketball demands especially, although she finds herself thriving on the intensity and pace of the game Offensively and defensively, she is committed to the one percenters as she says "even if I am not scoring the points, it’s about helping my team."
Beyond basketball, Paulic juggles work, senior schooling, and a growing love for photography and sports media. But no matter how full her schedule is, family remains at the heart of all of her endeavours
"The number one thing in my life is my family," sh "B i th b t i f lf d ki my family proud, that’s the most rewarding thing
Her drive to give back does not stop with coaching, demonstrated by when she first joined the Academy and heard about the Campbelltown Mayor's Christmas Present Drive that was taking place, she reached out immediately to get the Academy involved. "I’m very much a person about giving back to the community because I know there are people out there who are not as fortunate as me "
Whether she is stepping onto the court with her country music playlist in her ears or guiding the next generation of athletes, Paulic's impact is undeniable.
With her eyes set to future competitions and a longterm dream of coaching and playing at an elite level, she is proving that you can lead, inspire and chase excellence, all while staying true to yourself.
---
A huge congratulations to Emily, who was recognised as a Finalist in the Sport NSW Community Young Coach of the Year Awards, hosted at Commbank Stadium in late June
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Something that is of benefit to the wider community and embraces the value of your organisation and its staff members; and
Supports your brand in its desire to be economically, socially, environmentally and culturally responsible;
Whilst supporting the development of young, local men and women into valued community leaders.
We have an opportunity for you to partner with us, and assist athletes realise their sporting potential. Opportunities exist for Corporate and Sport Pathway Partners, through to small businesses interested in sponsoring the costs for an individual athlete. Whatever your budget, the Academy can provide a partnership with benefits suited just for you. Your partnership will also be a direct investment into a better tomorrow.
The South West Sydney Academy of Sport is a not-for-profit community based organisation, which relies heavily on the financial and social support of its outstanding corporate partners, in providing these much needed development opportunities.
The Academy in return invests a large amount of its time back into its local sporting community, servicing local associations, clubs, schools and community groups, thereby increasing the reach of our corporate partners throughout the region.
Become a part of developing a culture of Youth, Sport and Excellence within your Community today.
Friends of the Academy Friends of the Academy
