Hally Chapman appointed as RA’s National Talent Identification and US-based Women’s Lead Coach

Paris 2024 Women’s Eight co-coach Hally Chapman has transitioned from her role in the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) National Generation 32 (Gen32) Coach program to take on a full-time position with Rowing Australia (RA) as the National Talent Identification and US-Based Women’s Lead Coach.

The AIS Gen32 program is an intensive development initiative designed to equip emerging high-performance coaches with the skills and experience needed for future success.

Throughout her tenure in the program, Hally played a key role in developing elite Australian rowers, including her contribution as co-coach of the Paris 2024 Women’s Eight, which achieved Australia’s best-ever result in the event, finishing fourth.

Rowing Australia Performance Director Paul Thompson MBE praised Hally’s appointment.

“Hally brings a wealth of experience, a proven ability and a true athlete centered approach to developing athletes at all levels,” Thompson said.

“Her understanding of athlete progression and passion for coaching will be instrumental in ensuring the success of Australia’s US-based pathway athletes as they aspire to LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032”

Hally’s transition into this role underscores the strong collaboration between RA, the New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) and the AIS, particularly through the Gen32 program and the revival of the AIS coach scholarship initiative.

These programs provide invaluable hands-on learning opportunities for early-career coaches, preparing them to excel at the highest level.

With an extensive coaching background spanning school, club, state and national teams, Hally has spent nearly two decades developing athletes across both sweep and sculling disciplines.

She began her coaching career in 2006 under the mentorship of world-renowned rowing coach Tim McLaren at UTS Haberfield Rowing Club.

Since then, she has guided numerous crews to success on national and international stages, most recently serving as an NSWIS rowing coach at the Hancock Prospecting National Training Centre.

In her new role, Hally will lead RA’s National Talent Identification program, aimed at discovering and developing future Olympic athletes from non-rowing backgrounds.

This initiative is a key pillar of RA’s pathway strategy, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent leading into the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and beyond.

Additionally, she will oversee the development of US-based Australian Under 23 women, tracking their progress through the selection process and preparing them for international regattas.

AIS/NSWIS Coach, Development Lead Alan McConnell said Hally’s expertise, leadership and commitment to athlete development will be invaluable in shaping the next generation of Australian rowers, further strengthening the nation’s future in the sport.

“Hally is a very driven and athlete focussed coach, and she has maximised her time in the Gen32 program – a program which is the result of a great alliance between the AIS, NSWIS and [in this case] Rowing Australia,” said McConnell.

“With the support of the program, and, of course, her very supportive family, Hally has made the most of her opportunities and she thoroughly deserves her appointment.

“She is the right person for the role and will do a tremendous job.”

Image and story courtesy of Nick Jones, Rowing Australia