Congratulations to Hayley Stevenson, from Wilston Grange Triathlon Club, who was recently awarded the Inside Sport Clubbies Best Coach Award. 

Hayley beat out 19 other finalists from a number of other sports across Australia including tennis, NRL, netball and AFL. The Clubbies Awards attracted over 1,100 entries from all over the country.

Hayley is a shining example of balance - managing a full time career at the Department of Education, a young family and triathlon. Not only is she a committed competitor herself (she wakes up at 3:30 am to squeeze in her own training!), Hayley dedicates her time to 80 athletes in her club, where she is also coach and president. 

We are exhausted just thinking about that schedule! 

Hayley recently travelled to Sydney to accept the award, where she was given a rousing reception.

"I was very humbled and surprised. I really don't think  I do anything remarkable. I'm sure there are volunteer club coaches in communities all over Australia doing similar."

Fellow club member, Sandy Azzopardi nominated Hayley and commended her for creating a community at Wilston Grange, where Hayley writes her programs with a focus on fun.
"It is rare for someone to turn up to the club and never return again, as Hayley makes everyone feel welcome and a valued part of our club," said Sandy in her nomination. 

One of Hayley's athletes summed up his first training experience at Wilston Grange perfectly, "I got some tips and there was laughter. That didn't happen where I used to train." 

Hayley's coaching philosophy is based on developing her athletes' intrinsic motivations, "I don't want them to train and perform for me, I want them to do it for themselves." 

"I can support them through training and also through the way they approach the sport mentally, to know they can handle it. Satisfaction and being proud of yourself is not something that can be bought - only earned - so seeing athletes cross the finish line and experience that pride in themselves is the best thing about being a coach." 

Hayley's next event is the Sunshine Coast 70.3, where a large contingent will be flying the flag for Wilston Grange before they knuckle down for the new season at Hervey Bay 100, Bribie Tri Series & Hell of the West. The club is also working with their affiliate AFL club to continue to develop their training facilities.