Troy McKiernan is still pinching himself four weeks after hearing he had landed his dream job.
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McKiernan devoted the past 10 years of his life to pursuing a full-time position coaching cricket and after a rigorous interview process he was notified by Cricket NSW that he was appointed as the Northern NSW regional youth pathway coach.
The new position McKiernan fills is one part of Cricket NSW’s major restructure of its youth pathway system in an attempt to better serve young elite athletes in regional and metropolitan areas.
McKiernan will cover a large area starting north of Newcastle and ending at the Queensland border while he will travel as far west as Moree.
His role will open the door for young, rural and ambitious athletes, who are seeking a professional career in cricket.
It puts the spotlight on all country areas and it will give additional opportunities to the players who have the drive and work hard.
- Cricket NSW regional youth pathway coach Troy McKiernan
“It puts the spotlight on all country areas and it will give additional opportunities to the players who have the drive and work hard,” McKiernan said.
“It gives the elite athletes a higher chance of getting noticed.”
The Kempsey resident has climbed the coaching ranks over the past decade and has been instrumental in the development of women’s cricket on the North Coast.
He has coached cricket sides at a state and national level for years but was still surprised to earn the job.
“I was in shock, I sat back and reflected on all the work I had put in to get to that moment,” McKiernan said.
“I’ve been coaching for the love of cricket but now it’s an actual job position. My dream became a reality, I still have to pinch myself.”
McKiernan’s job will be spread across four main areas; coaching, talent identification, providing education on coaching and admin work.
“I will be building up networks and relationships across all the regions,” McKiernan said.
I’ve been coaching for the love of cricket but now it’s an actual job position. My dream became a reality, I still have to pinch myself.
- Troy McKiernan
“I will attend talent identification tournaments, watch a lot of cricket and identify the best coaches too.
“Cricket NSW recognise coaching is an important part in getting the best out of young talent.”
The job doesn’t come without transition as McKiernan’s role will be based in Coffs Harbour.
“It’s a massive sacrafice for me and my wife Shannon-lee. She will run the business on her own and we have to relocate,” McKiernan said.
Despite moving north, McKiernan won’t forget his hometown.
“I will never lose my love for the Kempsey community,” he said.
“I hope I can still help develop local players but now my focus will be across a much wider area.”
