Shane McDonald appointed WAIS Women’s Basketball Head Coach
The Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) is delighted to announce the appointment of Shane McDonald as its first Women’s Basketball Head Coach to lead the newly launched program.
McDonald comes to WAIS from his current joint roles of National Talent Identification Coordinator at Basketball Australia and Athlete Wellbeing & Engagement Manager for Basketball Australia & NBA Global Academy at the Centre of Excellence based out of the Australian Institute of Sport.
His appointment comes as WAIS prepares to launch a new Women’s Basketball Program in September. Operating in partnership with BWA and BA, the program’s aim is to enhance the pathway of elite women’s basketball athletes in Western Australia to national teams.
“I’m excited to join a fantastic State Institute positioned in a world class sporting precinct. WAIS has a great reputation for supporting and enhancing the careers of talented athletes and I’m looking forward to joining the team and leading the Women’s Basketball Program,” said McDonald
“My philosophy and approach to coaching is based on creating optimal learning environments enabling athletes to strive for personal excellence. This is underpinned through the development of authentic relationships and building trust, while leading a collaborative approach towards achieving holistic athlete development.”
“Player development is at the core of my coaching experiences and expertise. I enjoy assisting athletes chase their goals by optimising their strengths and building positive habits that leverage their talents.”
McDonald holds a Masters of Sports Coaching from Griffith University, and his extensive coaching experience includes time as the Basketball Victoria High Performance Hub Lead Coach and 10 years as Head Coach at the Maribyrnong Sport Academy.
Prior to coaching McDonald played in the National Basketball League for the Perth Wildcats, Singapore Slingers, and New Zealand Breakers.
WAIS Performance Team Director Neill Potts said, “Shane’s ability to convey his deep understanding of the game, and focus on individual development, will be an asset in nurturing athletes’ high performance journeys.”
The WAIS Women’s Basketball Program will run a daily training environment, out of the WAIS High Performance Service Centre, with additional facilities at HBF Stadium and Bendat Basketball Centre in the Mount Claremont Sporting Precinct. Supporting athletes across coaching, wellbeing, physical preparation, medical, nutrition, physiotherapy and psychology.