Antony Perry
4 October 2018: Former AFLW premiership coach Bec Goddard has joined the University of Canberra Capitals in a new coaching role for the 2018–19 WNBL season.
Goddard, who piloted the Adelaide Crows to the first women’s national league title in 2017, will be charged with transforming the club’s match day preparations.
She will also assist with player reviews and attend training sessions and home games alongside head coach Paul Goriss and assistant coaches Phil Brown and Carly Wilson.
“It is an honour to join the UC Capitals – a club which has led the way in women’s sport for so many years,” Goddard said.
“Paul Goriss is leading the club into a new era and has laid strong foundations from which to build. There’s a fantastic learning environment here and Paul’s passion for coaching is as strong as I’ve seen.
“I’m excited to lend my expertise to a new sport and add to the great work that is happening at the UC Capitals. It’ll be a bonus to learn a thing or two about basketball as well.”
Canberra born and bred, Goddard boasts a long and decorated history in Australian rules football and is a proven performer in high performance sporting environments.
As a player, she won back-to-back ACTWAFL titles with Eastlake in 2002 and 2003 and tasted success in the WVFL with the University of Melbourne in 2005.
Goddard began her transition to coaching in 2008, acting as a player-coach at the Gungahlin Jets. She has coached various teams in men’s and women’s leagues across Australia.
Goddard moved to Adelaide in 2016 for a coaching position at SANFL club the Woodville-West Torrens Eagles. The role preceded her appointment and subsequent success with the Crows in 2017.
UC Capitals head coach Paul Goriss said Goddard’s experience and success in high performance environments would add another dimension to the UC Capitals.
“I am excited to have someone of Bec’s calibre on our staff,” Goriss said.
“She brings a point of difference from another sport. Her knowledge, leadership and success in high performance environments will be invaluable to us.
“Bec is a proven performer and knows what it takes to succeed. Her passion and commitment will ensure we leave nothing on the court during what is going to be a big year for the UC Capitals.”
Goddard returned to Canberra from Adelaide earlier this year to continue her duties with the Australian Federal Police.
