Women’s Leadership Networking Event - Coaching Elite Sport

Hockey Victoria invites coaches, leaders and members of the wider sporting community to its second Women’s Leadership Networking Event of the year.

Following a successful inaugural event in July, which featured Caroline Campbell, CEO of Hockey NSW and Chair of NSWRL and Rachel Black, President of Bayside Powerhouse Hockey Club, the next session will turn the spotlight to women in coaching.

Coaching Elite Sport with Mel Klamt

Join us on Friday 13 November for an engaging Q&A with Mel Klamt, an experienced swimming coach whose career spans more than 20 years across Swimming Victoria, Swimming Australia Performance Pathways and several Victorian swimming clubs.

With a Bachelor of Science (Honours) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Mel brings a holistic perspective to athlete development, combining extensive coaching experience with an academic background.

Hear from Mel as she shares insights from her coaching journey and reflects on the challenges and opportunities within elite sport.

Event details

• Date: Friday 13 November

• Time: 5.00pm–5.45pm

• Location: State Netball Hockey Centre, Parkville

• Entry: Free with a General Admission ticket to the Round 6 HC Melbourne v NSW Pride match

• RSVP: Register HERE by 9.00am Wednesday 11 November.

Mel Klamt

Mel Klamt has over 20 years of coaching experience across Nunawading Swimming Club, MLC Aquatic, Swimming Victoria and Swimming Australia Performance Pathways. Now Head Coach at MLC Aquatic, Mel has contributed to athlete development at all levels, coaching state and national teams and tours, including the 2026 Next Wave Invitational.

Mel’s achievements include coaching the Australian Deaf Team at the 2015 World Deaf Swimming Championships and 2017 Deaflympics, and receiving several industry honours, including the Swimming Victoria President’s Award in 2025. She is also involved in Swimming Australia’s W32 Project, supporting the development of elite women in coaching, and contributes to the wider coaching community through the sctaVIC committee and professional development programs.

Away from the pool, Mel holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), which inform her holistic approach to athlete development. She is passionate about supporting athletes both in and out of sport, fostering an environment that prioritises wellbeing, learning and long-term growth.