We’re excited to announce another valuable addition to our Co-curricular Sports Department, Tiarn Powell, a former professional soccer player with Adelaide United Football Club and Adelaide City Football Club, brings her vast experience as a professional player, coach and sports administrator to St Michael’s College.

An experienced sports administrator, including high performance program development, program management and game development, previously working with Henley High and Football SA, she holds a Bachelor of Health Science, a Diploma of Business as well as a Certificate IV in Fitness. Tiarn is also the Head Coach at Adelaide City Football Club in the WNPL, holding a FFA A-license coaching accreditation and previously coaching the U15 State girls at Football SA.

Principal Tony Daley says, “we’re investing heavily in our co-curricular sports program, and we’re excited by the valuable experience Tiarn will bring to SMC. To have someone from a professional playing and coaching background, who also has experience in high performance program development and sports administration, means we’ll be able to build a stronger program moving forwards. We know the infinite benefits for students participating in sport and physical activity: improving physical fitness, personal well-being, cognitive development and strengthening social connections. Our aim is to also develop a strong St Michael’s culture through our co-curricular program”.

Tiarn has a strong passion for sports and recognises the valuable opportunities they offer all students, nurturing friendships, leadership skills, achievements, professionalism, and enjoyment. Tiarn says, “embarking on my new role at SMC, I am enthusiastic about fostering student engagement in various sports, whether it involves skill development, exploring new activities, or simply enjoying the experience. Recognising the profound impact of sports, I aim to leverage my diverse experience to maximise each individual’s potential within our sports program”.

Her own playing journey began in Sydney, eventually leading to an opportunity with Adelaide United through the W-League, in 2013. Following her time at Adelaide United, she joined Adelaide City, and as a former captain and current coach, she has won a range of premierships, championships and cup titles over a five-year reign.
“Driven by my love for soccer, I pursued coaching qualifications, culminating in obtaining my A Licence, a great achievement for me with only a handful females in South Australia with this accreditation. It’s remarkable to witness the growth of soccer, particularly in providing professional pathways for young girls not only in playing but in coaching, refereeing and administration”.

Heading up the SMC Co-curricular Sports Department, she will be coordinating a diverse and dynamic sports program, responsible for planning, organising and overseeing the Co-curricular sports activities for students at the secondary campus (Year 7-12).

Tiarn will also be working in conjunction with, recently appointed Sports Talent Development Program Coordinator, Matthew Lokan, who has been acting in the Co-curricular Coordinator Position. Tiarn and Matthew will be working together to foster a culture of participation, sportsmanship, respect, knowledge, and leadership among students and coaches.

Matthew will begin developing the new program during 2024 and expanding it in 2025 with elite coaching and group training sessions. He will be working with students across all sports and teams to help them develop as athletes, and as the program develops in 2025, new programs will be added. Matthew’s role also includes coach recruitment and development to ensure competent and motivated coaching staff across all St Michael’s co-curricular sports teams.

We’re looking forward to continually growing the Co-curricular Sports program and seeing even more participation and success from the SMC sports teams.