Amelia Matheson - First woman in AIHL Coaching Role, in 2022

“John and I are good friends, and he was holding the head coaching role, so I was speaking to him about wanting to come out to training to watch what he does, to learn and progress. He asked me what my goals were, and I told him I wanted to be on the bench one day, for myself, my growth and my learning. But also to open that pathway for others.”

“I talked to him about how I always faced setbacks, and it was one of those opportunities that were blocked because I was a female. He was heartbroken by that and said ‘I would never want my daughters to ever be in that situation’, and he invited me out to training. From there I had opportunities to do drills and my responsibility got bigger and bigger.”

Head Coach John F Kennedy Jnr shared his thoughts on bringing Matheson into the coaching team. “I am extremely proud of Mel. I knew her hockey background, how she got into the game, the things she had to overcome and the adversity she has been through in order to get where she’s at, being able to represent her country and being the captain of the team. So I have always had a lot of respect for Amelia and her hockey journey.”

“When she mentioned that she wanted to be a part of the coaching staff, it was a no brainer. She is very passionate about the game, and I feel like if you’re passionate about the game and eager and willing to learn then you’re in a great position mentally to grow and excel. She didn’t come trying to push her own agenda, it was about how she could help. She was always there, always caring about the team and helping and finding ways to add value to the team. [The decision to make her part of the coaching staff] was easy.”

“She is the model athlete and person that you want to be after, I can go through a list of all the ways she adds cohesion to the Northstars ice hockey club and all the ways she adds benefits to this rink. I told her, I know we’ve gone through things in regard to breaking barriers, I just know my daughters whatever they do, I want them to have the fair opportunity that anyone else would have. Time after time, not only has Amelia shown she is qualified but she has also excelled in the role.”

“Time after time, not only has Amelia shown she is qualified but she has also excelled in the role. We love having her, we are so blessed she is a part of our club, and if it ticks the box that she is the first female to be in the coaching staff within our league, great. I am almost disappointed it has taken so long but at least we are moving forward. It shows that what we are doing is the right thing, it removes the glass ceiling as people see her doing it and know they can too.”

Matheson recalled the first time she would be on the bench for the Northstars. “I remember at training on my birthday last year, Garry announced to the team that I would be on the bench that weekend and it was a really nice birthday surprise. The opportunity was there and I took it, and it has rolled into this year which has been amazing and I’m very grateful.”

Having the drive to do more and achieve more is all about persistence, Matheson explained. “I’ve been shot down a lot, so it’s one of those things where all they can do is say no, which I am used to. So, if they do it again, I’ll push again.”

Matheson says she always receives compliments and feedback in regards to her role within the team. “Bert Malloy has been fantastic. When I have run some drills and run other aspects of training he comes up and gives me that feedback and coming from a senior player like him makes me feel good and gives me the opportunity to fix things or keep progressing and that’s what I’m here for, to learn and grow.”

Coaching the top level of hockey is an amazing milestone, but Matheson continues her strive to learn and improve and move forward. “I’ve just gotten to this point, so I am embracing what I have right now. Looking into potential future opportunities aren’t on my mind at the moment as I have a long way to go here. I want to keep progressing and building on what I am learning without being distracted by other things. I am embracing everything that I have and I am so grateful for this opportunity, and I want to keep progressing to be the best coach I can be.”

Matheson’s thirst for improvement, in striving to achieve goals, is something she tries to instill in her players “You have to put in the work to get where you want to go. The current generation is so different now as not many people get outside and play. I grew up with a very active lifestyle, I was constantly moving and I was able to push myself higher and harder. It’s more than just training once a week. It’s not enough. You need to be physically moving and active and to keep fit – to reach your goals, you have to work for it.”

Matheson acknowledges that coaching is not much different. “The world has changed a lot and it is more open to women in coaching roles. It’s about preparing yourself to face the negative criticism, and it’s going to suck, but you have to learn to take it as it will help you grow. Learn from it rather than being offended by it. It will not be a walk in the park, but if you take it on and move through it and develop from it. Like the players, you have to put in the work.”

Reflecting on the 2022 AIHL season, Matheson stated “I feel like when I’ve given advice I can see it’s acknowledged and they take it on. They know all about my career and my passion to hockey so when I suggest something, they take it on board how needed and I feel my advice is received and acknowledged.”

Matheson’s achievement is one she hopes will be inspiring for all women in hockey. “I hope that it sends a nice message to other females out there that are in coaching roles now or want to do it in the future. Anything is possible. You will be tested, but there will be plenty of smiles when it pays off.”