Coach Profile: Lenore Beaton

18 June 2020

Coach Profile: Lenore Beaton

The Central Coast is one of the strongest rural/regional pockets of athletics in Australia and that is no doubt due to the talented array of coaches that work in the area, ranging from Matt Horsnell, Mick Zisti and Kerry Smith, to Frank Overton and Neil Hinton. One of the younger coaches adding to this quality coaching line-up is Lenore Beaton.

Lenore Beaton’s pathway into coaching is not uncommon.

“I stopped competing at age 20 due to injury, which led me into coaching,” said Beaton who is now into her 11th year of coaching.

“I started Little Athletics at age five and went all the way through to under-15’s and then continued into seniors.”

Beaton was a very success athlete winning state titles and claiming a bronze in the 200m hurdles at national level.

She had never considered coaching while competing, but moved into coaching when her coach Larry Spencer needed assistance with younger members of his squad. Spencer had his hands full with three internationals at the time.

But why did she continue into coaching after Larry Spencer’s original encouragement?

“I initially started just wanting to help but then I found I really enjoyed it and my passion grew. I am a teacher and so wanting to help educate people came naturally to me. My passion grew from the enjoyment I saw my athletes having as well as the success I was getting. I owe a lot to my early coaching success to my coach Larry for showing me and teaching me nearly everything I know. Once I started to learn more I knew that coaching was what I was meant to do.”

Beaton’s commit to coaching has seen it become a major part of her life outside her secondary school teaching of geography and PEHPE. She coaches her squad four days/week and on the other three days coaches’ new members of the squad and football players.

Mentored over the years, by Larry Spencer, Mike Hurst and Ryan Banta, she has developed a few coaching philosophies.

“There is always a positive in the negative.”

She also encourages the athletes to listen to body. “I teach my athletes to be body aware so that when they do something that isn’t quite right, they know what they did wrong and try to focus on it on the next run. I also teach my athletes that to be the best athlete they can be on the track you need to be the best athlete you can be off the track. Setting goals, eating right, strength work and being honest with me all help in reaching their potential.”

It is no surprise Lenore Beaton has had success, placing a number of athletes on Australian junior teams. She highlighted about a few of her athletes.

“Jade Beaven - is a talented up and coming athlete who made her first nationals this year for the 100/200m. Last season she went from running 27.26 in the 200m to 25.86 – a massive achievement over a couple of months. After three years of hamstring issues due to growing she finally achieved her goal of running for NSW - but unfortunately with the cancellation of the championships she did not get to compete. Jade also won medals at this year’s country championships in the 100/200m.” She is going into her fifth season with coach Beaton.

“Jezebel Navusolo - is a multi-talented athlete competing in the 100/200m and triple jump. Jez picked up medals at country championships this year. Jez has competed at Australian All Schools in Cairns and last year achieving her goal of competing in a junior Australian team at Oceania, where she achieved a silver medal in the 200m and relay gold.” She is going into her sixth season with coach Beaton.

“Jessie Blackwell came to me about 8/9 months ago and has improved every month. She does anything from 100-800m. She is a very talented up and coming athlete placing first in the 800m and third in the 400m at NSW All Schools. Jessie made her first nationals for the 400/800m but obviously did not get to compete. She also won medals at country championships in the 100/200/400/800m.”

Thank you Lenore Beaton for your significant contribution to athletics coaching in NSW and the positive impact you are having on your Central Coast squad – they are lucky to have your commitment, passion and support in their lives.

David Tarbotton for Athletics NSW

Image: Lenore Beaton and squad members (photo taken before COVID-19)