Barton makes successful switch from playing to coaching
Olympic gold medallist Emilee Barton has credited long-term support from the AIS for helping her transition into coaching and becoming assistant coach of the Australian Women’s Rugby Sevens team
26 April 2022
Olympic gold medallist Emilee Barton (nee Cherry) has credited long-term support from the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) for helping her transition into coaching and becoming assistant coach of the Australian Women’s Rugby Sevens team.
Australian Rugby 7s star Emilee Barton appointed as Assistant Coach
Barton retired from playing just months out from last year’s Tokyo Olympics, but intensified her focus on coaching and recently completed the inaugural AIS Elevate Athlete2Coach program.
Barton has also been supported throughout her athlete retirement phase by receiving a dAIS Transition grant, enabling her to plan for her new coaching career.
“Throughout my entire professional sporting career I’ve been privileged to have the AIS at the forefront of my support,” Barton said. “From the start at my very first high performance camp at the AIS in Canberra to now, retirement and transitioning out.
“Retiring from playing came with lots of worries, but having that support and boost I was able to navigate my way and take the next steps in my career, through coaching and inspiring the next generation.”
Barton welcomed the opportunity to re-join the Rugby Sevens program in her new role and she is first female coach to be appointed to the successful program.
"It's wonderful to be back in a team and an environment with which I have fond memories.
"While I was sad to step away from the team playing months out from the Olympics, to take the time and work on my future was so important and I'm grateful for all the support, particularly that of Sport Australia and Rugby Australia to help me develop as a coach which has seen me come full circle and re-join the Sevens program.”
Australian Women's Sevens Program Head Coach Tim Walsh said: "I'm thrilled to welcome Emilee on board as a part of the coaching staff. This appointment holds strong relevance in the strategic investment and vision for the future of the program”
"Her playing experience, coupled with her existing relationships with the players and extensive work with the AIS and NSW squad, makes her the standout person to fill this role.
"As a team we are looking to build on our World Series performances and continue in our preparations for the Commonwealth Games, World Cup Sevens and subsequent Olympics, which Emilee will now contribute towards.
Rugby Australia Chief Executive Andy Marinos said: “The appointment of Emilee as the assistant coach sees her bring a tremendous amount of experience as a former player who understands and what is required to deliver success on the field as both a leader and player. “We are looking to benefit from this, and her experience in the NSW Development Academy and the AIS Elevate Coach program.”
