|
Head Coach
|
Name - Daniel McTainsh
Home state - QLD
How long have you been coaching goalball?
15 months
What do you do for study/work outside of coaching?
Lots of things! I’m in my last year of studying for a Masters of Sports Coaching, and I also coach 2 other sports being Swimming and Triathlon.
What is the highlight of your goalball coaching career so far?
Coming back from being 8-5 down vs France in Malmo and watching the girls do their thing and win the game with 40 seconds to go!
What is the biggest goal you have for your coaching career?
To get to the big dance and put it all on the line.
What is the biggest goal you have for your team to achieve?
To change the way the game is played by innovating, exploring and backing yourself.
What is your dream holiday destination?
Anywhere with my 2 boys offering them opportunities to explore the world.
What is your favourite thing to do outside of coaching?
Drink coffee and chill at a cafe with friends.
What is one piece of advice you would give to anyone aspiring to be an Aussie Belle?
Being world class isn't easy so we have high standards set to achieve, so make sure you are willing to step outside your comfort zone and be challenged to get better.
|
|
|
|
Amelia Hart
(Also see Aussie Tinkerbelles)
Age - 18
Jersey number - 6
Home state - SA
|
Name - Milly
How long have you been playing goalball?
4 years
What do you do for study/work?
I am a student in Yr 12 and also do casual work in retail.
What is the highlight of your goalball career so far?
It would have to be getting my first international goal with the Belles in Portugal for my first international tournament!
What is the biggest dream you want to achieve in the sport?
I think similar to a lot of the Belles, I would love to be able to go to the Paralympics and win a medal.
What is your preferred type of training?
Got to love the gym!
What is your dream holiday destination?
Definitely the Maldives!
What is your favourite thing to do outside of goalball training?
I love to do art including painting and drawing.
What is one piece of advice you would give to a future Aussie Belle?
I think a future Belle would benefit from a quote that I really needed when I started out - “Progress, not perfection”. I think this really highlights that perfection is impossible but you can always progress and get better.
|
|
|
|
Brittnee Watson
Age - 32
Jersey number - 13
Home state - VIC
|
Name - Brittnee Watson
How long have you been playing goalball?
I started playing Goalball at the start of 2024.
What do you do for work/study?
I’m a recruitment officer!
What is the highlight of your goalball career so far?
Being able to travel overseas and play with other Goalballers across the globe! It was something that I never thought I would be able to do and was amazed to recently have the opportunity.
What is the biggest dream you want to achieve in the sport?
I would adore the opportunity to showcase that it is never too late. To be able to prove that age is just a number and life can be MORE amazing after you lose your sight.
What is your preferred type of training?
I do prefer hitting the weights! Feeling strong is so empowering.
What is your dream holiday destination?
I do have a love for Spain… although, everyone knows if I go there I may never come back! so I have not had the opportunity to see the beautiful country… yet!
What is your favourite thing to do outside of goalball training?
My favourite thing to do is definitely adventure with my partner. Whether it is overseas, around Melbourne or down the street, it’s heartwarming to be around someone who enjoys you just as much as you do them.
What is one piece of advice you would give to a future Aussie Belle?
Be adaptive, be trainable and put yourself out there. Opportunities will come for those who try.
|
|
|
|
Brodie Benson
Age - 27
Jersey number - 9
Home state - NSW
|
Name - Brodie Benson
How long have you been playing goalball?
11 years
What do you do for study/work?
I’m a high school teacher that teaches History, Drama and English
What is the highlight of your goalball career so far?
It would have to be having the honour of representing Australia at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo and scoring a goal in general play
What is the biggest dream you want to achieve in the sport?
To be selected to represent Australia at a second (preferably Covid-free) Paralympics!
What is your preferred type of training?
Weights 100% - cardio can die in a hole!
What is your dream holiday destination?
Italy - I’m obsessed with ancient history and pasta!
What is your favourite thing to do outside of goalball training?
Reading - you can’t go wrong with a good fantasy book and a hot cup of tea.
What is one piece of advice you would give to a future Aussie Belle?
You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take, so push hard, fight tough and commit to being the athlete you want to be. At the end of the day, the only limit that could stop you from achieving your dreams is you!
To keep up with Brodie’s training, chuck her athlete pages a follow:
Facebook: Brodie Benson PLY
Instagram: @brodie_benson_9
|
|
|
|
Caitlin Hannen-Williams
Age - 21
Jersey number - 10
Home state - WA
|
Name - Caitlin Hannen-Williams
How long have you been playing goalball?
Since 2016, so 9 years!
What do you do for work/study?
I am currently studying a Bachelor of Creative Arts, majoring in screen, and work as both a media assistant at my university, and a program facilitator at Blind Sports WA!… yeah… I’m a busy bee!
What is the highlight of your goalball career so far?
I love all the opportunities we get to travel, this sport takes us all over the world.
What is the biggest dream you want to achieve in the sport?
My ultimate dream is to represent Australia at the Paralympics!
What is your preferred type of training?
My favourite training is cardio, and also yoga… I’m a sucker for downward dog.
What is your dream holiday destination?
Greece
What is your favourite thing to do outside of goalball training?
I love to watch and make movies with my gorgeous friends and family.
What is one piece of advice you would give to a future Aussie Belle?
A life without challenges isn’t worth living, so just go for it! If it doesn’t work out, at least you have an entertaining party story!
To keep up with Caitlin’s training, chuck her athlete page a follow:
Instagram: @caitlin_goalball
|
|
|
|
Clare Whelan
Age - 27
Jersey number - 3
Home state - VIC
|
Name - Clare Whelan
How long have you been playing goalball?
8 years
What do you do for work/study?
I’m an engineer!
What is the highlight of your goalball career so far?
Travelling internationally as a team and playing Goalball at the highest level.
What is the biggest dream you want to achieve in the sport?
To be one of the best international centres representing Australia at a Paralympic Games!
What is your preferred type of training?
Court training and cycling.
What is your dream holiday destination?
Anywhere to see history, learn about different cultures and have new experiences. My top two at the moment are to see an Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) and watch a broadway musical.
What is your favourite thing to do outside of goalball training?
Being with family and friends, reading fantasy and sci-fi books, baking and singing.
What is one piece of advice you would give to a future Aussie Belle?
Work hard and enjoy the journey!
|
|
|
|
Jess Clark 
Age - 27
Jersey number - 4
Home state - NSW
|
Name - Jess Clark
How long have you been playing goalball?
14 years!
What do you do for study/work?
I’m working full-time as a Paediatric Occupational Therapist at Vision Australia, supporting kids with blindness and low vision to be independent!
What is the highlight of your goalball career so far?
My career highlight was that both my first international youth goal in 2013 and first international senior goal in 2022 were against the powerhouse team of South Korea! Definitely two of my proudest playing moments!
What is the biggest dream you want to achieve in the sport?
Reaching the highest level in goalball… representing Australia at the Paralympic Games!
What is your preferred type of training?
I’m a bit of a gym rat so I do love my weights sessions, but also enjoy mixing it up with some mobility work at my favourite weekly yoga class.
What is your dream holiday destination?
I’d love to travel around Germany but I’d also love to take my mum to see Ireland.
What is your favourite thing to do outside of goalball training?
Going out with friends, catching up with family over a tasty home-cooked meal, or just snuggling up on the lounge with my one-eyed cat, Monty.
What is one piece of advice you would give to a future Aussie Belle?
Get comfortable being uncomfortable. You’re never going to make the kind of progress you want if you stay in your comfort bubble, so give 110% to everything and you’ll be better than ever!
|
|
|
|
Molly Smith
Age - 21
Jersey number - 5
Home state - NSW
|
Name - Molly Smith
How long have you been playing goalball?
Since 2014, so about 11 years!
What do you do for study/work?
I’m currently working casually in childcare and learning support assistance at schools. I’m also studying a Bachelor of Education (Primary and Early Childhood) at the University of Newcastle.
What is the highlight of your goalball career so far?
Some of the biggest highlights for me have definitely been the friendships I’ve made, both here in Australia and around the world, and being able to travel and play against different countries in so many different tournaments!
What is the biggest dream you want to achieve in the sport?
I would love to be able to represent Australia at the Paralympic Games and get highest goal scorer at any competition!!!
What is your preferred type of training?
My go-to is strength training; I love lifting heavy (especially arms) but I also love gym classes.
What is your dream holiday destination?
Hawaii or Greece!
What is your favourite thing to do outside of goalball training?
I really love to chill with my friends and family, play guitar, read books, and play video games!
What is one piece of advice you would give to a future Aussie Belle?
You are capable of so much more then you think you are!
To keep up with Molly’s training, chuck her athlete page a follow:
Instagram: @molly.goalball
|
|
|
|
Nikita Rossiter 
Age - 26
Jersey number - 2
Home state - SA
|
Name - Nikita Rossiter
How long have you been playing goalball?
13 years
What do you do for work/study?
I work full-time as a conveyancing assistant!
What is the highlight of your goalball career so far?
As much as the highlight of any sport is bringing home the medals, my highlight is the lifelong friendships I have made with people from all around the world.
What is the biggest dream you want to achieve in the sport?
Representing Australia at the Paralympics!
What is your preferred type of training?
Weight sessions all the way!
What is your dream holiday destination?
Definitely Mykonos!
What is your favourite thing to do outside of goalball training?
I love to do a massive cook-up and catch up with my friends and family!
What is one piece of advice you would give to a future Aussie Belle?
You are the only person that can prove those who said “you can’t do it” wrong.
|
|
|
|
Raissa Martin
Age - 34
Jersey number - 7
Home state - QLD
|
Name - Raïssa Martin
How long have you been playing goalball?
Since 2012 (13 years)
What do you do for study/work?
I work as Education Manager with Paralympics Australia!
What is the highlight of your goalball career so far?
Representing Australia by competing at two Paralympic Games - Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.
What is the biggest dream you want to achieve in the sport?
I want to earn a place for the Aussie Belles at another Paralympic Games. I also dream of playing in front of a home crowd in my home city of Brisbane.
What is your preferred type of training?
Strength training is by far my favourite! It is both an emotional outlet and meditative space.
What is your dream holiday destination?
To venture into the Arctic Circle for the first time and view the Northern Lights (again). I would love to experience more long distance rail travel while overseas.
What is your favourite thing to do outside of goalball training?
I love to spend time being quite physical; enjoying indoor rock climbing, hiking and camping. I also love catching up with my friends for friendly ... or more likely, competitive board game days.
What is one piece of advice you would give to a future Aussie Belle?
It takes a lot of hard work to become an elite athlete, with many challenges and personal sacrifices along the way. If you love Goalball and enjoy competing as part of a team, all of these hurdles are worth every bit of effort that you put in. Representing your country on the world stage is a rare privilege. I am excited to see who comes into this sport.
|
|
|
|
Zara Perry
Age - 19
Jersey number - 1
Home state - NSW
|
Name - Zara Perry
How long have you been playing goalball?
Nearly 6 years!
What do you do for study/work?
I work in retail, and in my spare time I am also a writer/poet.
What is the highlight of your goalball career so far?
The highlight of my Goalball career would have to be receiving my first Aussie jersey prior to the 2022 IBSA world championships. An absolute dream come true!
What is the biggest dream you want to achieve in the sport?
Ultimately, I dream of representing Australia with the Belles at the Paralympic Games.
What is your preferred type of training?
Definitely lifting/weights training.
What is your dream holiday destination?
My dream holiday destination has got to be Edinburgh in Scotland.
What is your favourite thing to do outside of goalball training?
Either writing/reading in a cafe, or hitting the ski slopes for some fun cross-training.
What is one piece of advice you would give to a future Aussie Belle?
The best piece of advice I could give to a future Aussie Belle is to find your ‘why’ - your heart’s reason for competing as a para athlete - and to remember that reason when things feel hard. Because when your heart has its ‘why’, your mind and body will follow.
To keep up with Zara’s training, chuck her athlete page a follow:
Instagram: @zara_perry_athlete
|
