ASCEND SPORTS ACADEMY
OUR COACHES
Meet the dedicated coaches at Ascend Sports Academy who are passionate about developing young athletes. They bring a wealth of experience and expertise to provide top-level coaching in a fun and supportive environment.
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Zac Mclean
Director & Head AFL Coach
Coaching AFL to kids is my biggest passion in life. I believe that teaching fundamental skills through game based learning is the best way for kids to enhance their skills. I love to create positive relationships with my athletes and provide them with the tools for them to be their best. I strive to create a fun and safe environment where everyone is welcome!
Achievements & Recognitions
Bachelor of Secondary Education- HPE Major
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Level 1 Strength and Conditioning Accreditation
Level 2 AFL Coaching Accreditation
2020-2023 AFL Excellence Program Coordinator Park Ridge State High School
2023-Current AFL Academy Coordinator Brisbane South State Secondary College
Under 12 Met North AFL Coach
Brisbane Lions Academy Development Coach
170+ Senior AFL games Mayne Tigers
4 x Senior Premiership player including 1 as Captain
Taylor Smith
AFLW Athlete & Coach
Taylor is currently one of the stars of the AFLW competition. She had a career best season in 2024 which saw her win the leading goal kicking award and being selected in the 2024 AFLW All Australian team. Taylor is also a fully qualified HPE teacher and is passionate about guiding the next wave of AFL and AFLW talent!
Achievements & Recognition
Current AFLW player
2024 AFLW Leading Goal Kicker
2024 All Australian Team
2 time AFLW premiership player
Bachelor of Secondary Education- HPE Major
Tom Fry
AFL Coach
Tom lives and breathes footy. He is passionate about coaching and developing junior footballers. Tom currently works at AFLQ within the Auskick and Superkick programs and current assistant coach of the Year 10s at Ambrose Treacy College.
Achievements & Recognition
Under 16s Brisbane Lions Academy MVP
Under 17s Brisbane Lions Academy Captain
2024 Senior Premiership Player Mayne Tigers
2025 Deputy Vice Captain Sherwood QAFL
Lara Dunkley
Athlete & Coach
Lara has played in the Suncorp Super Netball league over the past 6 years, establishing herself as one of the top players in the competition. Lara is also a qualified HPE teacher and spent time throughout her professional career coaching junior netball. Lara is a fantastic role model for aspiring netballers!
Achievements & Recognition
Current Suncorp Super Netball League Player
Current Vice Captain
2024 club leader goal assists
Qualified HPE Teacher
Jayden Molo
Netball Coach
Jayden is a 19 year old, semi-professional netballer who is currently playing with the Bond University Sapphire team and apart of the Future Firebirds squad for 2025. Her favourite part of netball is the friendships and experiences gained along the way. She can't wait to share her knowledge and help young netballers grow!
Achievements & Recognition
Under 17 & 19 QLD representative
Under 17 & 19 Australian representative
PNG National Team representative
2025 Future Firebirds squad member
First Nations Black Swans representative
GET IN TOUCH
Have any questions or inquiries? Reach out to Ascend Sports Academy and our friendly team will be happy to assist you.
Ph: 0468 654 771 Email: asacademyqld@gmail.com