Designed by dual Olympian and Head of Sport, Kobie McGurk, the Athlete Development Program (ADP) is tailored for students identified in elite sporting programs.
Its main aim is to educate girls on managing the demands of being a young female athlete. The program provides knowledge, guidance, and resources to empower them to make smart decisions on their sporting journey — ones that benefit them now and into the future.
While sport plays a significant role in their lives, it’s just one chapter. These formative years are the building blocks of future resilience, and a holistic approach is essential for long-term success.
This program would not exist without the generous support of Mr Geoff Goldsmith, who established the initiative in honour of his mother, Jill, an old scholar of St Hilda’s.
Jill loved sport and had a passion for giving back to the school community. In her memory, the program is dedicated not only to developing thriving athletes, but also to shaping future leaders who will positively impact their communities and beyond.
Eligibility is based on a range of factors, including team representation and sporting achievements. The primary tier of eligibility considers sports offered at St Hilda’s ASG or those recognised through the WA Sport Pathways.
To be eligible, students must be:
International – Representing Australia at the senior or junior level
National – Competing at national level within Australia
State – Participating in the top-tier competition in the state (with the potential to advance to national and international levels)
Arabella (Year 10), a dedicated swimmer competing at both state and national levels, is one of the program’s inaugural participants. Training up to 15 hours per week while managing a demanding academic schedule, she has found ADP workshops—particularly those focused on nutrition—instrumental in optimising her performance. With expert guidance from visiting sports dietitians and industry professionals, Arabella has seamlessly integrated these insights into her training regimen.
The ADP empowers students to find personal meaning in their elite sporting journeys, whether by redefining success, setting new goals, or enhancing their overall well-being. At St Hilda’s, we are committed to shaping well-rounded athletes who are prepared not only for competition but for life beyond the sport.
Arabella shared,
“Ms McGurk has put so much time and effort into helping athletes at St Hilda get everything they need. As an athlete, she knows how difficult it can be to juggle school and sporting life. She is working to help us with whatever we need, whether a study or rest period, an overloading strength and conditioning session, or even if we just need to chat with her. She is always super helpful and there for us.”