Champion Netballer joins Shooting Australia in Athlete Wellbeing role

Former Australian Netball representative Jane Altschwager has been appointed Shooting Australia’s Athlete Wellbeing and Engagement Lead where she will work with National Squad members in Rifle, Pistol and Shotgun disciplines.

Altschwager made seven National Team appearances and won two Commonwealth Bank Trophy championships with the Sydney Swifts during her decorated Netball career.

She also captained the Hunter Jaegers and Central Pulse and played for the Adelaide Thunderbirds before transitioning to the SANFL Women’s League where she played two seasons with North Adelaide in 2018 and 2019.

Shooting Australia Chief Executive Officer, Luke van Kempen, said Altschwager’s appointment comes at a time of increased focus on athlete wellbeing.

"Shooting Australia takes its role in the development of well-rounded people who may become world class athletes very seriously and we are grateful for the support that the AIS gives us for Athlete Wellbeing and Engagement in areas such as community engagement, personal and career development, mental health and wellbeing, and conduct and professionalism," said Mr van Kempen.

"Jane’s own journey to success in sport and life has equipped her with a unique set of skills and experiences.

"Having lived the highs and lows of elite sport, she is very well-positioned to help guide the personal development and support the wellbeing of our Shooting athletes as they strive for high performance outcomes," he added.

Altschwager said her elite sport and post-sport professional careers, combined with studies in Elite Athlete Wellbeing and recent work with the Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation and North Adelaide Women’s Football Club as Wellbeing Manager, gives her a special insight into the challenges and opportunities facing top level athletes.

"I have had personal experiences at high level competition as a player and team captain, plus working in other off-field sports roles, and will be able to support athletes on the latest evidence-based knowledge, strategies and insights from my studies and working career," said Altschwager.

"It is a time of great excitement for Shooting as we approach the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games plus the Oceania Championships this year, and World Championships next year, and I will be looking to play a positive role to ensure athletes can perform at the peak of their ability," she added.

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