WAIS announce Shane McDonald as women’s basketball head coach, Alistair Addison named hockey coach

The Western Australian Institute of Sport has unveiled the two men to lead their women’s basketball and hockey programs, with a former Perth Wildcat taking charge of the former.

Shane McDonald has been been appointed as their inaugural women’s basketball head coach, while Alistair Addison has been announced as WAIS hockey coach.

McDonald arrives from current joint roles of national talent identification coordinator at Basketball Australia and athlete wellbeing and engagement manager for Basketball Australia and the NBA Global Academy at the AIS’ Centre of Excellence.

He enjoyed playing stints with the Wildcats, Singapore Slingers, Melbourne Tigers and New Zealand Breakers and will lead the newly launched program, aimed at enhancing pathways for female basketballers.

“WAIS has a great reputation for supporting and enhancing the careers of talented athletes and I’m looking forward to joining the team and leading the Women’s Basketball Program,” McDonald said.

“My philosophy and approach to coaching is based on creating optimal learning environments enabling athletes to strive for personal excellence.

“Player development is at the core of my coaching experiences and expertise. I enjoy assisting athletes chase their goals by optimising their strengths and building positive habits that leverage their talents.”

Meanwhile, Addison, who will join a WAIS hockey program led by head coach Stephanie Andrews, is returning home from the United Kingdom and has more than 15 years experience in elite coaching in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

He most recently served as Durham University’s lead hockey coach, as well as an assistant for Great Britain Hockey’s elite development program and the England under-21 women’s team.

Addison said he was impressed by WAIS’ vision for the program and was delighted to be heading to WA.

“I’m a strong believer that building positive relationships with athletes, and all stakeholders in the athlete’s support network, leads to the creation of a positive environment full of stretch, challenge and a focus on holistic development,” he said.

“As a coach I want to see my athletes reach their potential in all aspects of their life, not just on the hockey pitch.

“Building strong support networks where we take a shared approach to development is what helps athletes to have good balance in their life and become well rounded individuals.”