New Era for Female Coaching in WA

Rowing WA is proud to celebrate a landmark moment for rowing in Western Australia, with Olivia (Liv) Jones appointed as Head Coach of Fremantle Rowing Club.

Liv’s appointment marks a significant milestone for the sport, as she becomes the first woman appointed to a full-time paid Head Coach role at one of Western Australia’s major metropolitan rowing clubs. It is a moment that reflects both Liv’s outstanding achievements and the growing opportunities available for female coaches across the rowing pathway.

A former Australian representative rower and one of Western Australia’s most respected emerging coaches, Liv has built an impressive coaching resumé spanning club, school, state and national programs. Her experience includes coaching roles with the Australian Under 19 and Under 23 Rowing Teams, Rowing WA State Teams, leading school programs and high-performance club athletes.

For Rowing WA, the appointment represents far more than an individual achievement.

Over recent years, significant effort has been invested in developing and supporting female coaches through education, mentoring opportunities and high-performance pathways. Liv’s progression from athlete to volunteer coach, state coach, national team coach and now full-time Head Coach demonstrates what is possible when talent, dedication and opportunity come together.

Earlier this year, Liv was selected as the rowing recipient of the prestigious Australian Institute of Sport Coach Experiential Learning Program Scholarship. The scholarship saw her work alongside the Australian Under 19 and Under 23 Rowing Teams at the World Championships in Canada while further developing her coaching expertise under some of the country’s leading coaches.

Rowing WA CEO Daniel Tackenberg said Liv’s appointment was an important moment for both the club and the broader rowing community.

“Rowing WA is excited to see Liv’s progress through the WA rowing coaching system take her to the next step into this exciting role with Fremantle Rowing Club,” Daniel said.

“Her diverse rowing and coaching experience across club, school, pathways and international representation will put her in good stead to lead the club into the future."

“We are also very delighted to see our support of female coaching pathways result in the first female full-time paid Head Coach appointment for a rowing club in Western Australia. Hopefully this demonstrates to aspiring young female coaches that there is a clear pathway to professional rowing coaching in WA.”

Liv’s contribution to rowing extends across every level of the sport. She has held coaching and leadership roles with Swan River Rowing Club, Iona Presentation College, Scotch College, Guildford Grammar School and Rowing WA. Along the way she has coached State and National Championship-winning crews, led Western Australian representative teams and was recognised as Rowing WA Volunteer of the Year in 2025.

As an athlete, Liv represented Australia in the Women’s Coxless Four at both Under 23 level and the World Rowing Championships, while also representing Western Australia and holding a WA Institute of Sport scholarship.

Her appointment highlights the strength of Western Australia’s coaching development pathway and provides a powerful example for the next generation of female coaches looking to build careers within the sport.

Rowing WA congratulates Liv on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to seeing her continue to make a significant impact at Fremantle Rowing Club and across the wider rowing community.