Coaching for Success | Katie Edwards

Katie Edwards has spent years quietly shaping futures, forging pathways for her athletes to thrive and now, her work has been recognised with a place in the highly prestigious AIS Women’s High Performance Coach Summit Program.

For Edwards, being selected for the program is an honour and a testament to her dedication, but it is her ability to adapt and innovate that has earned her a place in the prestigious program. Her coaching philosophy is centred on helping athletes achieve their best, while fostering a life-long love for the sport.

“It’s not just about medals. I want my athletes to enjoy the process to become the best versions of themselves both on and off the track.”

Nuturing a love for sprinting at the grassroots has translated to global achievements, with her Northern Beaches squad now including two Australian representatives in Mali Lovell, who stormed to Paralympic bronze in Paris, and Olivia-Rose Inkster who donned the green and gold for a second time at the World Under 20 Championships.

“Mali’s journey has been incredible. She joined us at the age of 12, but she was once told she might not even walk properly, let alone run. We worked tirelessly to overcome her challenges, from correcting her gait to improving her balance. Seeing her beam with pride after her medal performance was everything,” Edwards said of her protégé.

“And Liv, her determination and hard work have been key to her success. She’s always willing to push herself and grow as an athlete.”

Edwards attributes much of her growth in coaching to her background in biomechanics and exercise science, as well as the mentorship of prominent figures such as Melinda Gainford-Taylor, who co-coaches her squad, but it is her willingness to embrace new ideas and refine her approach that has set her apart.

From running alongside athletes to correct movement patterns to developing creative training techniques, Edwards is always looking for ways to help her squad excel and believes being part of the AIS program will take her to the next level.

“The program has introduced me to an incredible group of women from across sports like sailing, netball, and table tennis,” she said.

“We’re learning from each other, navigating challenges in male-dominated spaces, and building each other up. It’s not about being the best female coach; it’s about being the best coach.”

Together with Gainsford-Taylor, Edwards has ambitious goals for the future. With Mali Lovell aiming to compete through to Brisbane 2032 and a crop of young athletes in her squad showing promise, she’s excited about what lies ahead.

“Watching Mali and others grow into confident, capable athletes is the most rewarding part of coaching. I also want to see more young para athletes get involved in sprinting. I’ve become passionate for increasing participation for athletes with disabilities and I want to give that chance to as many people as possible.”

“If you’d told me ten years ago I’d be here, I’d have laughed. But now, I’m loving every moment. I can’t wait to see what the future holds."

By Sascha Ryner, Athletics Australia
Posted: 3/1/2025