Steve McGill named Club Coach of the Year for 2023

Steve McGill has been awarded the 2023 Club Coach of the Year Award as part of Snow Australia’s Community Sport Awards. 

This award recognises the exceptional contribution made by a club coach during the nomination
period either on or off snow, with a focus on improving community sport through encouraging
participation, fairness, and integrity and making Snowsports more welcoming, safe and inclusive.

McGill has been involved in snowboard coaching for over 35 years, having been drawn to the role as a way to spend more time on snow. 

“I started doing back-to-back winters in 1997 and I have only missed four winters during that time,” he said. 

“I found myself drawn to instructing as it was one way to put myself on snow and I like to pass on knowledge, having now done so for 35-odd years.”

His coaching success as Perisher Winter Sports Club Snowboard Cross Coach is credited to his holistic approach to learning, ensuring that the participant enjoys their time on the snow. 

“I adopted a coaching style that is really passing on passion for snowboarding and alpine lifestyle,” said McGill.

“I like to think my style is very holistic, ensuring the athlete really builds an appreciation and passion for the sport. Whether they become pathway athletes, Olympians or just a seasonal border, I want to instill a  lifetime love of snowboarding.” 

His passion for seeing athletes achieve their goals is what keeps McGill committed and engaged. He recently guided Maya Billingham on building her resilience ahead of Interschools, leading to her clean sweep of events. 

“To see the evolution and development of the athletes is what I enjoy most,” he said. “I’m incredibly humbled and surprised to be recognised. It’s made me feel really proud because I have put so many years into it. 

“Over the years I’ve had a lot of great mentors and coaches who have inspired and influenced my style. It’s all a little overwhelming to be recognised.”