Eltham Wildcats Basketball Club is seeking Expressions of Interest for the position of Head Coach - Youth League Women to compete in Youth League Championship division of VBL (Formerly Big V) in 2027.

This opportunity has arisen following Kelly Walker’s decision to step down as Head Coach due to increased work commitments. We sincerely thank Kelly for her outstanding contribution to the Eltham Wildcats program and the positive impact she has had on our players, staff and wider basketball community.

The Youth League competition showcases Victoria’s leading Under-23 talent and is an important part of the Wildcats’ representative pathway, providing a clear stepping stone for those exiting the junior pathway to Senior Basketball and our NBL1 program.

Eltham Wildcats is committed to developing capable athletes, coaches and staff through a positive, inclusive and high-performance environment. The successful applicant will play a key role in building a connected women’s pathway across the club, working closely with senior representative coaches, junior coaches, athletes, families and basketball operations staff.

In 2026, our Youth League Women enjoyed their most successful season in more than a decade, competing strongly in the Championship Division. Their season was a credit to the dedication of the players, coaches and support staff, and provided an exciting foundation for the continued development of women’s basketball within the Wildcats program.

Applicants should hold an Association Coach Accreditation (or willingness to obtain prior to commencing) and demonstrate relevant experience in elite or representative-level basketball.

The successful applicant will be expected to commence in the role as soon as practicable following appointment.

Position Title: Head Coach - Youth League Women’s Team

Reports To: Director of Coaching & Pathways

Position Description

The successful applicant will work closely with our Director of Coaching & Pathways, NBL1 Women’s Head Coach, representative program coaches, Basketball Operations Manager and relevant club stakeholders to deliver a professional and development-focused program.

Key Accountabilities

• Plan and lead a program that supports individual athlete and team development, with a focus on progressing players toward the Eltham Wildcats NBL1 Women’s team and higher-level opportunities.
• Plan, schedule and conduct all pre-season, in-season and post-season training requirements.
• Ensure players maintain appropriate physical preparation and fitness standards to compete successfully at Youth League level and prepare for senior-level basketball.
• Attend all team and program commitments, including games, training, meetings, club functions and other scheduled Wildcats events.
• Build positive, productive relationships with athletes, families, coaches, staff and key stakeholders that support team and program success.
• Contribute to the ongoing development and alignment of the Eltham Wildcats female athlete pathway.
• Participate in appropriate coach development, education and mentoring opportunities.
• Encourage player connection with Eltham Wildcats junior representative and domestic programs, where appropriate, to strengthen the club’s pathway and community engagement.
• Work cooperatively and collaboratively with the Eltham Wildcats Representative Program, coaching staff and club representatives.
• Positively represent Eltham Wildcats in all interactions with the wider basketball community, including required media, club and representative commitments.

Contribution to the Wildcats Pathway

• The Head Coach will be an astute, engaging and collaborative leader who contributes meaningfully to the Eltham Wildcats player and coach development pathway.
• The successful applicant will share their knowledge, experience and leadership with the broader program to help ensure Eltham Wildcats continues to develop capable, resilient and high-performing athletes and coaches.

Leadership, Skills and Attributes

• The ability to create a clear, enjoyable and standards-driven environment where athletes can develop with confidence.
• A coaching approach that supports individual athlete development while building a connected, cohesive and sustainable team environment.
• Strong planning and organisation skills, including the ability to prepare purposeful training sessions and manage season-long program demands.
• Confidence communicating expectations, feedback and selection decisions respectfully to athletes, families and staff.
• Sound basketball judgement, including the ability to adapt strategy, line-ups and player roles in response to team needs and game situations.
• A collaborative approach to working with the NBL1 Women’s program, junior coaches and Basketball Operations staff.
• A commitment to modelling Eltham Wildcats values, including integrity, accountability, empowerment, teamwork, innovation and safety & wellbeing.
• An understanding that athlete wellbeing, safety and personal development are integral to sustained on-court performance.

Essential Requirements

• Association Coach Accreditation, or willingness to obtain accreditation within an agreed timeframe.
• Current Working with Children Check
• Current driver’s licence.
• National Police Check (once appointed)
• Experience coaching junior representative, elite junior, Youth League, NBL1 or equivalent-level basketball.
• Availability to attend scheduled training sessions, VBL games, meetings, marketing activities and club functions throughout the season.