Developing a strong pipeline of future high performance coaches is critical to the long-term success of Tasmanian cricket.
To support this goal, Cricket Tasmania launched the High Performance Coaching Scholarship Program in 2026, providing aspiring coaches with tailored development opportunities, mentoring and exposure to elite cricket environments. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, the scholarship is designed around the individual needs and ambitions of each coach, helping accelerate their development and prepare them for future opportunities in the game.
Cricket Tasmania Head of Coach Development Alistair Addison said the program was created to help coaches build the skills, experiences and connections needed to succeed at the high performance level.
In its inaugural year, Shaun Redman and Tawanda Mapuriwa were selected from a strong field of applicants. Both coaches demonstrated a clear ambition to pursue a career in high performance coaching and a commitment to investing in their own development.
Shaun Redman
For North West coach Shaun Redman, the scholarship offered an opportunity to gain greater exposure to elite cricket environments and learn from experienced coaches operating at the highest levels of the game.
Reflecting on the experience, Shaun said the relationships, conversations and regular feedback he received throughout the program had been invaluable.
"The most valuable part has been listening, discussing and learning from experienced coaches in training and elite team environments. Having regular feedback and check-ins with different coaches throughout the journey has been a big part of my learning."
The scholarship also enabled Shaun to complete Cricket Australia's High Performance Coaching Course, helping him strengthen his confidence, communication and ability to create effective learning environments for players.
His commitment to development has already translated into tangible opportunities, with Shaun progressing into an interim full-time coaching role with Cricket Tasmania during the scholarship period.
Addison said Shaun's journey reflects exactly what the scholarship was designed to achieve.
"Shaun has consistently invested in his own development and sought out opportunities to learn and grow. When an opportunity became available, both Shaun and Cricket Tasmania felt he was ready to take that next step in his coaching journey."
Tawanda Mapuriwa
For Southern Tasmania's Tawanda Mapuriwa, the scholarship was a chance to challenge himself, expand his coaching knowledge and gain first-hand experience within high performance cricket environments.
Throughout the program, he was immersed in Cricket Tasmania's coaching network, learning from pathway and high performance coaches while observing the planning, communication and player development processes that underpin elite programs.
"The most valuable part of the scholarship has been the coaching conversations with my coach developer, spending time with pathway coaches during their planning meetings and the opportunity to spend time with Shield coaches and players."
Tawanda said the experience encouraged him to reflect on his own coaching practice and develop a deeper understanding of how to plan sessions and communicate effectively with players.
His growth throughout the program has been reflected by increased involvement across Cricket Tasmania's pathway programs, as he continues to build his coaching experience and expertise.
Addison said Tawanda's desire to continually learn has been a key driver of his development.
"One of the things that stands out about Tawanda is his genuine desire to keep learning. He's consistently sought out opportunities to challenge himself, reflect on his coaching and develop his craft. It's been exciting to watch his development as a coach over the course of the scholarship."
Apply for a 2027 Scholarship
The High Performance Coaching Scholarship Program will return in 2027 as Cricket Tasmania continues to invest in the next generation of high performance coaches.
Applications are expected to open in late 2026, with the program continuing to provide tailored development opportunities, mentoring and exposure to elite coaching environments.
Cricket Tasmania particularly encourages female coaches with ambitions in high performance coaching to apply, as increasing female representation within the coaching pathway remains an important priority.