Basketball NSW proudly celebrates the achievements of Nicole Foran, Community Growth Programs Administrator, and Rachel Herrick, Program Manager – Women and Girls, who have successfully graduated from the Women in Sport Leadership Program, run by NSW Rugby League in partnership with the University of New England.
Originally launched as a pilot program in 2021 with a focus on female coaches, the WISL course has since expanded to cater to a diverse range of leadership roles in sport. The program aims to empower women by equipping them with the skills and confidence to excel in leadership positions across the sporting industry.
Nicole and Rachel, along with their fellow graduates, have credited the 20-week program with significantly enhancing their confidence, communication, and leadership skills. Their dedication and commitment were recognised during a formal graduation ceremony on Monday the 3rd of February, where they received their certificates in the presence of senior sporting executives, including NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden, NSWRL Head of Communication and Community Engagement Dr Tracie Edmondson, NSWRL Chair Paul Conlon, and UNE Partnerships CEO Ben Gilmore.
The program acknowledges and addresses the barriers that women face in securing leadership roles within elite sports. The 2024 intake included professionals from a variety of sporting organisations, spanning rugby league, athletics, surf life saving, tennis, touch football, gymnastics, volleyball, lawn bowls, football and of course basketball.
The four-month professional development course combined face-to-face workshops, individual coaching sessions, and group webinars, supporting participants in completing assessments across two modules. Successful graduates receive nationally recognised credits towards a Diploma or Certificate IV in Leadership and Management.
Maria Nordstrom, CEO of Basketball NSW, expressed her immense pride in Nicole and Rachel’s achievements.
“I am extremely proud of the dedication and hard work that Nicole and Rachel have put into completing this course. Investing in leadership development is crucial for the growth of our organisation and the wider sporting community,” said Nordstrom.
“The collaboration between different sporting codes helps address the numerous challenges females face in the industry. Their participation in the Women in Leadership Program is a testament to their commitment to personal and professional growth, and I have no doubt they will continue to make a significant impact in basketball and beyond.”
Basketball NSW congratulates Nicole and Rachel on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to seeing them continue to drive positive change within the sport.
