Davina Strauss

 MEET OUR COACH | DAVINA STRAUSS

Davina Strauss has dedicated more than 25 years to helping athletes achieve their potential across athletics, beach sprints and surf lifesaving. A former elite athlete and highly experienced coach, Davina brings a wealth of knowledge, passion and practical experience to every training session.

Her coaching journey began in the United States as an Assistant Sprints and Jumps Coach at Central Washington University before returning to Australia, where she has worked with athletes ranging from grassroots juniors to State, Australian, Oceania and professional-level competitors.

Today, Davina continues to share her love of sport through her coaching, helping athletes develop confidence, resilience and technical excellence while fostering a lifelong enjoyment of athletics.

Specialising in the 100m, 200m, 400m, long jump, beach sprints and surf lifesaving flags, Davina works with athletes of all ages and abilities. Whether coaching a young athlete learning the fundamentals of movement, supporting an aspiring State representative or mentoring experienced competitors pursuing higher-level success, she is committed to helping every athlete become the best version of themselves.

Davina believes that great coaching extends beyond performance outcomes. Her focus is on creating an environment where athletes feel supported, challenged and empowered to pursue their goals while developing valuable life skills along the way.

As an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and Athletics Australia accredited coach, Davina combines extensive coaching experience with a strong understanding of human movement, performance and long-term athlete development.

Throughout her coaching career, Davina has assisted numerous athletes in progressing from junior athletics through to State, National and international competition. Her broad experience across athletics and surf lifesaving has given her a unique perspective on athlete development and performance across multiple sporting disciplines.

Davina’s own athletic achievements are equally impressive. She attended the University of Wyoming on a long jump scholarship and enjoyed success as both an athletics and surf lifesaving athlete.

Her achievements include:

• 2013 Stawell Gift Winner
• Multiple Australian Masters Champion – Beach Sprints
• Multiple Australian Masters Champion – Beach Flags
• Multiple World Masters Champion – Beach Sprints
• Multiple World Masters Champion – Beach Flags

Her contribution to surf lifesaving has been recognised through:

• Life Membership – Coledale Surf Life Saving Club
• Induction into the Australian Surf Life Saving Legends Hall of Fame

Training Squads

• Junior Squad (8–13 years)
• Senior Squad (14 years and above)

Specialties

• 100m
• 200m
• 400m
• Long Jump
• Beach Sprints
• Surf Lifesaving Flags

Training Opportunities

• Junior Development Coaching (8–13 years)
• Senior Athlete Coaching (14 years and above)
• Sprint Coaching (100m, 200m & 400m)
• Long Jump Coaching
• Beach Sprint Coaching
• Surf Lifesaving Flags Coaching
• Small Group Training Sessions
• Individualised Athlete Development Programs
• Strength & Conditioning Guidance
• Competition Preparation and Performance Development
• Private Coaching Available

Coaching Philosophy

“Athletics has the power to build much more than physical performance. Through sport, athletes learn confidence, resilience, discipline and the value of hard work.

I am passionate about helping athletes discover what they are capable of achieving. Every athlete has unique strengths and potential, and my role as a coach is to help them develop those strengths, overcome challenges and pursue excellence while enjoying the journey along the way.

Success is not defined solely by medals or personal bests. It is about becoming the best version of yourself, both on and off the track.”

Outside of Athletics

Away from the track, Davina is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with a strong passion for helping older adults remain active, healthy and independent.

She works extensively with the ageing population to improve strength, mobility, balance and overall quality of life, helping individuals overcome barriers and continue enjoying the activities they love.

Davina is also actively involved in her local community through Menai Hope Church and Coledale Surf Life Saving Club, where she continues to serve through coaching, mentoring and patrol duties.

Her desire is to help people of all ages discover their God-given gifts, grow in confidence and understand that their value comes from who they are rather than simply what they achieve.

Accreditation

• Athletics Australia Accredited Coach
• Athletics Australia Accreditation Number: 44134
• Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP)
• Current Member of Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) – MAAESS: 3202
• Working With Children Check: WWC0327123E
• Level 1 Surf Lifesaving Coach
• Level 1 Strength and Conditioning Coach

Davina’s lifelong involvement in athletics, surf lifesaving and athlete development reflects a genuine passion for helping others succeed. Through her experience, knowledge and dedication, she continues to inspire athletes of all ages and abilities to pursue their goals and enjoy everything our sport has to offer.

We are proud to have Davina associated with Sutherland District Athletics Club and thank her for the expertise, enthusiasm and commitment she brings to our athletics community. Her contribution continues to positively impact athletes across all stages of their sporting journey.

For session times please contact Davina:

• Tel 0432 684 828
• Email Davina