HIGH POTENTIAL AND GIFTED SPORT FRAMEWORK
Optima Sporting Programs
Saint Stephen’s College has four Optima Sporting Programs. Our Basketball, Cricket, Soccer and Netball programs have been selected to meet the needs of our high performing students. At the College, we use a Long-Term Player Development Model and structure our sporting programs around this model to help our student athletes develop and achieve short and long term goals.
The Optima Sporting Programs are available for students in Years 4 to 12. The purpose of the program is to develop the overall athletic ability of each child whilst focusing on their specific sport. Students in each program have one compulsory speed and agility session, one compulsory strength and conditioning session and one compulsory field session in their chosen sport. Each session is tailored for students needs and abilities by our expert staff.
Students in the programs will also be exposed to nutrition in sport, high performance training, recovery and injury prevention and management through various experiences.
The programs’ goals are to have students achieving individual success through selection in representative teams as well as team success through APS sport and other school-based competitions.
Head of Basketball
Our Head of Basketball is Adam Tyrus. Adam is a current teacher of the College who teaches in the Health and Physical Education department. Adam’s basketball playing and coaching background is outstanding. Adam has played in the QSL for various teams and was head coach of the North Gold Coast Seahawks QSL team. Adam is an old scholar whose passion as both a student and staff is second to none.
Head of Cricket
The Head of Cricket is our current Director of Sport, Ryan Soars. Ryan’s playing and coaching background is extensive, coaching school representative teams and most recently as a club coach of the Coomera Hope-Island Cricket Club. Ryan is also an old scholar who takes great pride in seeing the cricket legacy of the College continue.
Head of Netball
The Head of Netball is a new member to the College community. Rebecca Lombardo brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. Widely sought after across the Gold Coast for her coaching ability we are very excited to have her working with our students. Rebecca was an outstanding player reaching a high level before turning to coaching. Rebecca has volunteered her time for numerous years with our club teams and we can’t wait to see what she can do with our talented netballers.
Head of Soccer
Our Head of Soccer is former International Soccer player Scott McDonald. Apart from the incredible achievement of representing his country, Scott has played in many major soccer leagues including the Scottish Premier League and A-League. Scott has now turned his hand to coaching where he is currently the coach of the Gold Coast Knights. Scott is a current parent of the College who is invested
