Congratulations to Neridah Wearne on Her Successful Appointment to the AIS National Generation 2032 Coach Program

December 21, 2024 – Softball Australia is proud to announce that Neridah Wearne has been successfully appointed to the prestigious Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) National Generation 2032 Coach Program (Gen 32 Program), a key initiative aimed at developing the next generation of high-performance (HP) coaches.

Launched in July 2022, the Gen 32 Program is part of the AIS High-Performance (HP) Coach Development Strategy, which seeks to enhance and unify coaching pathways across the Australian sports system. This forward-thinking initiative is designed to increase the number and diversity of Australian HP coaches who will contribute to future Olympic, Paralympic, and Commonwealth Games successes.

Neridah has been deeply immersed in softball for over 30 years and has built an exceptional coaching career. She has coached NSW representative teams for more than a decade and served as Assistant Coach of the Australian U18 teams. More recently, Neridah has taken on a vital role running the NSW High Performance Hub program, working closely with NSW-based Australian team players. This program serves as the Daily Performance Environment for these athletes, preparing them for international competition.

Balancing her role as a Chartered Accountant and Commercial Director with her commitments to softball, Neridah has found her involvement in the NSW High Performance Hub program to be deeply rewarding. Despite the demands of her dual career, she has always aspired to dedicate more time and focus to her coaching journey. The opportunity to join the Gen 32 Program marks a significant step toward achieving that ambition and further enhancing her coaching expertise.

The Gen 32 Program is a two-year, intensive development opportunity for early-career coaches, and it focuses on building the skills, knowledge, and leadership qualities required to thrive in high-performance environments. The program emphasises coaching innovation, leadership, and the integration of First Nations methodologies, providing participating coaches with an opportunity to develop their craft in a supportive, inclusive, and safe environment.

Under the Gen 32 Program, Neridah Wearne will benefit from:

• Full or part-time employment within a National Sporting Organisation (NSO) or National Institute Network (NIN) partner, co-funded by the AIS.
• Immersion in the day-to-day operations of a high-performance program, working with athletes under the guidance of experienced technical coaches.
• AIS-led Learning Labs that will facilitate development in key areas such as athlete development, leadership, and cutting-edge coaching methods.
• Mentorship from AIS Coach Development Leads and peers from other sports.

As part of the Gen 32 Program, Neridah will play an integral role in the development of Softball Australia’s future athletes, refining her coaching skills and contributing to the evolution of Australian high-performance sport. She joins a select group of coaches who have been chosen to represent 23 different sports in the upcoming cohort, which begins in January 2025.

“We are grateful to see Neridah Wearne selected for this remarkable opportunity,” said Sarah Loh, CEO of Softball Australia. “Her appointment to the Gen 32 Program is a reflection of her commitment to excellence and her potential to contribute significantly to the growth of softball in Australia. This program will provide her with invaluable experience and skills to further her career and make a lasting impact on Australian sport.”

The Gen 32 Program is a key component of the AIS’ broader commitment to the "Win Well" philosophy, which places a strong emphasis on wellbeing as the foundation for sustainable success in sport. The program not only focuses on coach development but also ensures that coaches are supported in a holistic and inclusive environment, where they can thrive both professionally and personally.

For more information about the AIS Gen 32 Program and to follow Neridah’s journey, please visit the AIS website - HERE