.png)
Olympic champion Kerri Pottharst OAM has been named the newest Minerva Legend by Minerva Network.
Kerri's legacy in Australian sports history is cemented by her pivotal role alongside Natalie Cook as the Dreamachine, winning gold in Beach Volleyball at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Her contributions to the sport extend beyond the sands of Bondi Beach, resonating through her inspiring speaking engagements, coaching endeavours, and thought leadership in high-performance domains.
Kerri is the author of “The Business of Being an Athlete”. After years of mentoring and coaching sporting professionals she has transitioned her experience and expertise out of the sporting arena, to work as an executive coach for both corporate and non-corporate clients in the Art of Human High Performance.
As a former professional female athlete who has excelled both during and after her sporting career, Kerri joins other current Minerva Legends including her Gold Medal Olympic beach volleyballer teammate Natalie Cook OAM, former Australian cricket captain Belinda Clark AO, and International and Australian Paralympic Hall of Famer Louise Sauvage OAM who serve as inspiration to further grow the impact Minerva Network has for female athletes.
Upon accepting her role as a Minerva Legend, Kerri expressed her enthusiasm, saying, "I’m so excited to stand alongside the legends, the mentors, the athletes and the entire team at Minerva. Retiring from sport is different for everyone. Some athletes have their journeys mapped out but most aren’t sure what to do next. The role Minerva provides both these types of athletes is invaluable in planning towards life after sport."
Christine McLoughlin AM, Chair and Co-Founder of Minerva Network, welcomed Kerri. "We all remember that moment at Sydney 2000 when Kerri and Nat Cook won Gold on the sands of Bondi Beach. Kerri's influence and impact extend well beyond that moment through her speaking, coaching, and thought leadership. We are thrilled that Kerri is joining our growing group of Minerva Legends who are incredible advocates for women in sport," Christine said.
“At our Sydney end of year event we celebrated an unprecedented year for women in sport and Minerva’s momentum has reflected that. With support from Kerri and all the other amazing women and male champions in Minerva Network who volunteer their time, we are in prime position to exceed our goal of supporting 1,000 elite sportswomen by 2025.
“Through Minerva Network, we have the unique privilege of providing our best female athletes with support through mentoring from some of Australia’s leading professional women. Together, we are working to ensure female athletes are celebrated and valued both during and after their sporting careers, and we’re grateful to have Kerri joining us in this mission.”
As Minerva Network continues to foster the development and success of over 650 professional female athletes across 70 sports codes, the addition of Kerri Pottharst brings a wealth of experience and inspiration, further enabling Minerva to create pathways of opportunity and empowerment for women in sport.
