Leopold coach Aaron Greaves spends his days getting the best out of athletes. Whether it’s in his full-time job at the Victorian Institute of Sport or in his coaching role with the Lions, Aaron strives to see people reach their peak in and out of sport.
After graduating from Deakin University as a teacher, Aaron taught at Montpellier Primary School and Grovedale Secondary College. The latter role saw him involved with the college’s sports academy, where he worked on developing a holistic program within the academy, along with teaching PE and Health.
A new career opportunity as CEO of the Barwon Sports Academy gave Aaron the chance to further develop his skills, a role he held until the end of 2009. “I was fortunate enough to be appointed CEO when the academy was in its initial stages and be able to help build, develop and grow the BSA against the philosophies that were in place,” he said.
The Barwon Sports Academy is a non-profit organisation that provides pathways for aspiring athletes to reach higher goals at State and National levels through development programs, sharing information, ideas and experiences. Through community partnerships the academy identifies, nurtures and supports local talented sports people through a co-ordinated pathways program.
Aaron is now Talent Transfer Co-ordinator at the Victorian Institute of Sport, which involves talent identification and recruitment, as well as working with athletes who have skills and attributes to transfer from one sport to another.
“Usually they are nearing retirement age, have been delisted or missed selection or may have an injury profile that prevents them from continuing with their current sport,” Aaron said.
“I also look after our 2012 and Beyond Athletes who are a group of 12 developing athletes who receive support form us. They are seen as potential athletes for London Olympics 2012 but are not yet quite at the Tier 1 selection stage.”
Coaching, travelling to Melbourne to work each day and having time to enjoy family and friends is tough, but Aaron is committed to being involved in sport at the high performance level.
“I know this environment is best for my career development,” he said.
“Unfortunately there are not these opportunities in Geelong. I cope by making sure that I plan well (my teaching background coming out).”
“I have strong support from my coaching staff at Leopold,” Aaron said. “I also have a very supportive wife and family who also back me to do the things I have a real passion for. I make sure that I always make time for my family and friends.”
Aaron’s long term career goal is a position in athlete development/welfare and is studying Career Counselling for Elite Sporting Performers, which he hopes will assist his opportunities.
Things are going well for Aaron at Leopold too, where the club is starting the reap the rewards of its hard work.
“The club has made enormous changes over the past two-and-a-half years,” Aaron said. “We have worked hard to change the culture of the club and the satisfaction levels against performance. In 2010 we are beginning to get the rewards for the hard work that we have put in over the past two years.
“We have a list that is enthusiastic, committed, passionate and have a real willingness to improve as players and people. They are a close team and work hard week after week to meet the expectations of the group.
“If we continue to develop over the course of the year we will have some pretty exciting times ahead.”
