From Coach to Leader: Celebrating ICECP Cohort XVI in Lausanne
- Sarah McQuade
- 16 minutes ago
- 4 min read
A global cohort of coaches graduate in the Olympic Capital—sharing impactful projects and stepping forward as leaders in sport.
There are moments in sport that feel significant—and then there are moments that stay with you.
Last week in Lausanne, Switzerland, we celebrated the graduation of the 16th cohort of the International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Program (ICECP). A global group of coaches came together for the final module of their journey—culminating in the presentation of projects designed to create meaningful, lasting impact within their sports and communities.
The programme itself is a powerful example of global collaboration. ICECP is a United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee legacy program, funded through Olympic Solidarity as a flagship international development initiative, and delivered in partnership with the University of Delaware as the academic provider.
Special acknowledgement must go to the UD team of Matt Robinson and Jeff Schneider for their leadership and commitment to the program, alongside Cecilia Bollin from the USOPC for her continued support in bringing this global initiative to life.
Across a week of learning, reflection, and connection—including professional development seminars, international federation visits, and final presentations —these coaches demonstrated not only what they have built, but who they are becoming.
Local Impact. Global Change.
It was my privilege to support five exceptional coaches through this journey. While each project is rooted in a specific local context, together they point toward something much bigger—the future of coaching systems and coach development worldwide.
Adele de la Rey – Namibia Coach Development and Regional Multisport Expansion Project
Local impact: Developing community-based coaches and creating access to triathlon beyond the capital—opening doors for participation in previously underserved regions.
Global change: A reminder that sustainable system growth often begins with focused, high-quality local interventions that can be replicated and scaled in emerging sport systems.
Scott Weekes – Australia ELEVATE Coaching: Building a Modern Framework for Coach Education and Accreditation
Local impact: Redesigning coach education to better support, connect, and develop coaches within the Australian short track speed skating system.
Global change: Challenging traditional approaches to coach education—offering a modern, athlete-centred framework that can inform international conversations around coaching systems and learning design.
Eugeniu Cubani – Moldova Developing Fundamental Movement Skills for Young Swimmers: A Coach Education Program
Local impact: Equipping coaches with practical tools to integrate fundamental movement skills—enhancing the quality of athlete development and training environments.
Global change: Contributing to a broader shift toward more holistic, developmentally appropriate coaching practices that prioritise long-term athlete development over early specialisation.
Refilwe Temo Kgweenyane – Botswana Empowering the Game: Enhancing Accessibility and Retention in Gaborone Rugby
Local impact: Engaging young people in rugby through inclusive, community-based programmes—creating positive sporting experiences in underserved areas.
Global change: Demonstrating the power of sport as a tool for access, inclusion, and social development—particularly in contexts where resources are limited but potential is high.
Kyle Hannays – Trinidad and Tobago Building Coaching Standards: A Structured Licensing and Mentorship System for Tennis Coaches in Trinidad and Tobago
Local impact: Establishing a clear, structured pathway for coach development—raising standards, strengthening safeguarding, and embedding mentorship within the national tennis system.
Global change: A scalable model for coach licensing and professionalisation that can be adapted across sports and nations seeking to elevate coaching as a profession.
Individually, these projects are making a difference. Collectively, they represent a powerful truth:
When we invest in local coaching systems, we create the conditions for global change.
A Standout Moment
One of the most memorable moments of the week came as coaches stepped into the Olympic House, presenting the executive summary of their projects in one of the most symbolic environments in global sport.
To see their work—developed over months of learning, testing, and refining—shared with clarity and purpose on that stage was incredibly powerful.
That moment of recognition continued into the graduation ceremony, where coaches were celebrated in the presence of new IOC President Kirsty Coventry—a fitting acknowledgement of both their journey and their potential.
From Coaching Practice to Leadership Practice
A key feature of the final module was the Professional Development Workshop, facilitated by the ICECP tutor team.
This space was intentionally designed to support a critical shift—not just improving coaching practice, but expanding leadership capability.
Across sessions exploring mindset, wellbeing, culture, and influence , coaches were challenged to think beyond delivery… and toward impact:
How do we lead change within our environments?
How do we shape culture, not just sessions?
How do we move from doing the work… to enabling others to do it?
It was a privilege to support all of the coaches throughout the program and to contribute to this workshop—closing the experience with a focus on reflection, growth, and what comes next.
A Beginning, Not an End
Graduation marks a moment of achievement—but more importantly, it signals a transition.
These coaches now return home not just with completed projects, but with:
a clearer sense of purpose
a broader global perspective
and an enhanced capacity to lead
Final Reflection
What stood out most this week was not just the quality of the work—but the quality of the people behind it.
Curious. Committed. Courageous.
Coaches who are ready not only to develop athletes—but to shape systems, influence others, and lead the future of sport.
It has been a genuine privilege to be part of that journey.