GOLD COAST (Australia) – The Marty Handson Coaching Program continues to strengthen coaching capability across the Oceania region, providing emerging coaches with access to structured learning and practical development opportunities designed to support the growth of basketball in their communities.
Aligned with FIBA’s Women in Basketball and Empower National Federations strategies, the introductory coaching program, supported by PacificAus Sports, culminates with a scholarship opportunity for selected participants to further their coach education.
Fiji’s Marjorie Whippy, progressed through the program and was selected for the scholarship phase in Australia alongside Basketball Victoria. The scholarship phase proved transformative, giving her the chance to learn directly from experienced high-performance coaches and deepen her understanding of how to plan, teach, and communicate more effectively with young athletes.
“It surpassed my expectations,” Ms Whippy said. “The coaches were so down to earth and willing to share why they did what they did.”
The experience broadened her view of coaching beyond drills and game plans, reinforcing the importance of leadership, communication, and helping young players understand the purpose behind their work on court.
“As soon as you learn something, apply it. That advice has already changed how I coach.”
As her confidence grew, so did her clarity about the role she wants to play in Fiji’s basketball community. The scholarship also helped her navigate challenges faced by women coaches in the Pacific, particularly perceptions around capability.
“People don’t think you’re as good as a male coach, but meeting so many prepared, and confident women showed me we can overcome that.”
Behind her development is a lifelong connection to the sport. Ms Whippy grew up in a basketball family and later returned to the game when her children began playing. With limited coaches available in local competitions, she stepped in to support her son’s team, a decision that sparked her passion for youth development and eventually led to her involvement in BounceBack, a grassroots program in Fiji for children aged nine to nineteen.
Returning to Fiji following her scholarship experience, Ms Whippy is committed to sharing what she has learned with fellow coaches and helping strengthen the environment for young players.
“I feel empowered to apply for more coaching roles. I’ve gained confidence, strategies, and ways to truly invest in our players.”
When asked whether she would encourage other women to apply for the program, her response was immediate.
“I’ve gained so much confidence and knowledge. I’d want that for all women coaches in the Pacific.”
About PacificAus Sports
PacificAus Sports is an Australian Government sports diplomacy initiative developing pathways for Pacific teams and athletes to compete in elite competitions and access high-performance coaching in Australia and internationally. The program partners with Australian national sports organisations to support a range of Pacific sports, with funding split evenly between women and men. PacificAus Sports also partners with the Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC) to promote Pacific sport through ABC Television’s ‘That Pacific Sports Show’ and ABC Radio’s ‘Fresh Off the Field’. The high-performance outcomes of PacificAus Sports are complemented by the Australian Government’s Team Up program, which focuses on sport for development in the Pacific.
For more information about PacificAus Sports and its initiatives, visit www.pacificaussports.gov.au and follow PacificAus Sports on Facebook.