20 September 2024
Former Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Accelerate participant Kathryn Chen is ticking off her career goals one by one after being offered an assistant coaching position in the United States.
When Chen retired from playing volleyball professionally, she was torn between following her dream of coaching and completing further studies outside of sport.
Her decision to pursue coaching came after participating in the 2022 AIS Accelerate program – an initiative aimed at providing retired female athletes with the tools to navigate a professional career in sport.
“The program offered an environment where an amazing group of women could come together to support each other’s individual journey and provide confidence for what could come next,” Chen said.
“I was inspired by their strength, and I walked away with a sense of healing from my difficult journey as an athlete and a hope for the future to pursue what I truly wanted and love.”
After completing the AIS Accelerate Program, Chen was selected for an Accelerate Immersion Grant which further supports the program alumni with employment experiences that broadens their networks and connects them with leaders and potential mentors in the sports system.
The Accelerate Immersion Grant allowed Chen to work with Volleyball Australia as an assistant coach and manager for the Australian Women’s Volleyball Team, the Volleyroos, and as a head coach for the Australian National Development Program.
This experience led to her new role as Assistant Coach for the University of California, Santa Barbara volleyball program.
“I had decided the next step in my coaching pathway was to try and break into the American college National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) system, to further develop my knowledge and experience,” Chen said.
“Two years ago, I was afraid to choose this path, but because of the AIS Accelerate program and the confidence it instilled in me, I am now coaching as my career.
“I have no doubt that this is what I want to do, and what I’m meant to do for this next chapter of my life. “
Cheering her on from the sidelines is the Accelerate alumni group who continue to applaud each other's achievements.
“We still stay in touch every so often with everyone sharing stories about their current situations, and it’s like we’re all in the same room again but better versions of ourselves,” Chen said.
“It’s amazing. I felt like I found a team and teammates again.”