This year’s Community Coach Mentoring Program has proven to be one of the most impactful initiatives supporting grassroots basketball coaches across the country.
Designed to build confidence, develop coaching capability, and strengthen community connections, the program’s pilot has delivered transformational results for participants, many of whom describe it as career-changing.
Across the past 9 months, mentees worked closely with experienced volunteer mentors who offered their time, expertise, and genuine care for the development of emerging coaches.
The outcomes have been profound, with coaches reporting increased confidence, new opportunities, transformative self-reflection, and a deeper understanding of what it means to positively influence young athletes.
Confidence That Changes Everything
One of the most consistent themes shared by mentees was the surge in confidence the program created.
Many arrived with self-doubt - uncertain about their coaching voice, unsure if they were “good enough,” or hesitant to step into new opportunities. Through regular sessions, tailored feedback, and practical support, mentees described a complete shift in how they saw themselves as coaches.
As one coach shared:
“The program has completely changed and grown my confidence and abilities. I can now speak to my teams and others with confidence in myself and my knowledge.”
Another described how their mentor helped them let go of second-guessing:
“I feel more confident talking to the team and parents. I’m backing myself now.”
For some, that confidence opened doors they previously wouldn’t have considered - like stepping into representative programs and taking on leadership within their club.
Strengthening the Coaching Community
Beyond individual development, the program has had a significant ripple effect throughout local basketball communities.
Several coaches noted how the program motivated them to contribute more broadly - coaching additional teams, assisting with rep programs, or supporting other new coaches who now look to them for guidance.
One mentee, now coaching three teams and assisting in a rep program, shared:
“I now help other coaches and believe I’m a positive role model in our basketball community.”
Another highlighted the program’s value in building networks and promoting inclusivity:
“It helped me build stronger connections and collaborate more openly. It inspired me to support other emerging female coaches.”
Better Coaching: On and Off the Court
Across the cohort, coaches spoke about the clear improvements in their coaching style, communication, session planning, and ability to guide teams under pressure.
Several noted that the program helped them create more effective, structured training sessions:
“Planning better has made our one-hour sessions more effective. Training flows better and the players get more out of it.”
Others talked about a shift toward reflective and player-centred coaching:
“I learned to self-reflect after every game -on myself and my team. I plan short- and long-term goals and use strategies to help individual players settle, focus, and develop.”
One coach described a remarkable outcome: taking over a team known for finals nerves and leading them to their first grand final win by focusing on empowerment, communication, and composure.
Another reported finishing runner-up in both the grand final and state championships after adopting new planning, mindset, and communication frameworks.
Transformative Personal Growth
Perhaps the most powerful impact of the program was how it reshaped coaches’ personal identities and purpose.
Many began the pilot seeing coaching as something they did for their children, or something they weren’t quite sure they belonged in. Over time, through consistent encouragement and deep reflection, they came to recognise their own value and the impact they were making.
One powerful reflection stated:
“I now think of coaching as something I have to offer and add value to the game - not just something I do to support my children.”
Another described a complete mindset shift:
“I’ve become far more confident as a leader. The program helped me move beyond self-doubt and embrace my role as a coach in a male-dominated sport.”
For several coaches, this transformation extended well beyond basketball, into how they show up in their community, their workplace, and their wider lives.
A Program That Exceeded Expectations
While experiences varied - particularly for a few who changed mentors during the pilot—the majority of participants expressed that the program exceeded expectations.
Weekly or fortnightly sessions, detailed reflections, game reviews, and genuine personal connection created a learning environment richer than many imagined.
As one coach summarised:
“It was so much more. We had almost weekly sessions for nine months where we could reflect, plan, share wins, and work through challenges. It has completely changed me as a coach.”
Another shared:
“It went far beyond what I expected. It was personal, growth-oriented, and truly transformative.”
Even those who experienced challenges early spoke about the enormous growth they achieved once matched with a mentor who was fully committed:
“The amount I have learnt has been huge. I feel like I’ve grown more in two months than in years of coaching.”
What Coaches Would Tell Others
Across every piece of feedback, one message was universal:
“Do it.”
Participants emphasised that the program is a powerful opportunity - not just for improving technical coaching skills, but for unlocking confidence, leadership, and personal growth.
One coach put it simply:
“It has completely changed me as a coach. I now think of myself as a coach, not just someone who coaches basketball.”
Another added:
“I would recommend it to all community coaches.”
A Strong Foundation for the Future
The Community Coach Mentoring Program pilot has demonstrated what is possible when grassroots coaches are given structured, personalised support from experienced mentors who genuinely care about their development.
The results speak for themselves: more confident coaches, stronger communities, improved team outcomes, and transformational personal growth.
As the program continues to evolve, one thing is clear - mentoring is not just an add-on to coach development.
It is one of the most powerful tools we have to build better coaches, better communities, and better experiences for every athlete in Australian basketball.
Head to BA Play to find out more.
