Tom Gatti and Tim Geers join Gen32 Coach Program

The Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) is pleased to welcome Tom Gatti (Rowing) and Tim Geers (Hockey) into the AIS National Generation 2032 Coach Program (Gen32)—an exciting opportunity for both the coaches and their respective sports programs. WAIS has partnered with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and the National Sporting Organisations (NSOs) for hockey and rowing to support these high-performance coaches as they progress in their careers. Additionally, Andrew Kyle (Baseball) is also part of the Gen32 program, working externally from WAIS, under Baseball Australia.

About Gen32

Launched in 2022, Gen32 was established to strengthen and diversify Australia’s high-performance coaching ranks in preparation for future Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games. The program provides emerging and early-career coaches with a two-year paid internship within the nation’s leading sporting programs, equipping them with skills and experience needed to succeed at the elite level.

WAIS AIS Coach Development Lead Belinda Stowell OAM highlighted the program’s value:

“It’s fantastic to support the second cohort of WA coaches as they advance their careers through Learning Labs, peer-to-peer learning across sports, and hands-on experience with WAIS, the Head Coaches in their respective programs and align with the National coaches in their sports.”

Meet the Coaches

Tom Gatti (Rowing) is already part of WAIS, serving as an Assistant Coach to Head Coach Jamie Hewlett. His primary focus is on developing under-23 athletes, helping them progress towards national team selection.

Tim Geers (Hockey) is stepping into a new role at WAIS through the Gen32 program. Having spent the past six months as Acting Assistant Coach alongside Head Coach Steph Andrews—on secondment from Hockey WA—he now takes on a permanent position.

“This opportunity will allow Tim to continue coaching within the team while accelerating his learning and enhancing the athlete performance environment. It’s also a crucial step in his own coaching development,” said Stowell.

Former program graduates through WAIS include Danny Kevan (Athletics – able and para sprints, and jumps), Brooke Kemp (Swimming), and Ashleigh Meneses (Diving) who have gone on to make significant contributions to their sports.

The second intake of the Gen32 program runs from January 2025 to December 2026, marking another milestone in developing Australia’s next generation of high-performance coaches.