AIS Share a Yarn program strengthens First Nations leadership pipeline as new mentors step forward

Olympic medallist Taliqua Clancy and triple Olympic rugby sevens player Maurice Longbottom join the Share a Yarn mentor group for 2026, as two of 11 mentors who will provide guidance and support through their lived experience to 29 Indigenous athletes.  

Through monthly yarning circles, leadership development opportunities and cultural immersion experiences, Share a Yarn empowers participants to grow as athletes, leaders and role models in their communities, creating culturally safe spaces where athletes can connect, reflect and thrive on and off the field. 

Tay-Leiha Clark, a previous Share a Yarn athlete participant and Connection to Country Advisor for New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) revealed she was thrilled to step up as a mentor to the 2026 cohort.  

“Share a Yarn has been a really special place for me to connect and make strong foundations with current and former athletes across different sports, that I wouldn’t had the opportunity to connect with otherwise,” she said.  

“I’ve been so fortunate with the beautiful connection I’ve been able to make with my mentor Tahlia Taylor-Kickett over the years. I would love to be able to be that for other young First Nations athletes in high-performance.” 

“As an athlete a lot of what we do only comes during our sporting careers so for this opportunity to still remain connected and involved in the program despite my transition of stepping into this next phase of life, it’s really important to me.” 

The 2026 cohort spans 13 sports and includes 24 female and five male athletes, as well as three Para athletes. 

Now in its seventh year, the 29 athletes engaged in 2026 is the largest so far, reflecting the program’s expanding role in supporting athletes to grow as competitors, leaders, role models and mentors within their communities. 

Grounded in the belief that culture is a source of strength, the program supports athletes to strengthen their identity, build meaningful connections, and navigate the unique challenges of high-performance sport. 

“My family is so supportive and has been there for me throughout my career so far, but I haven’t had the chance to connect with a First Nations mentor that has also experienced the high-performance environment,” said Torres Strait Islander woman Jordan Bliss. 

“I want to make the most of this opportunity and learn from their experience, along with expanding my network among athletes and connecting with our culture while I’m living away from country.” 

A key feature of the program remains the annual cultural connection camp, scheduled for October, where athletes and mentors come together to deepen relationships, share stories and strengthen their connection to culture. 

“The program is changing my experience in high-performance sport,” said current women’s 200 metre sprint Australian title-holder and NSWIS scholarship holder Lakara Stallan. 

“Last year was my first year in the program and having a First Nations mentor walk alongside me, someone who wasn’t necessarily from my sport, was invaluable, because I genuinely felt the care that was there for me as a whole person rather than me as just an athlete. 

“For me the program has been a safe place, with warm people. I know that everyone there has my best interest at heart. It’s honesty like an extended family.” 

The AIS Share a Yarn program sits within the Win Well commitment and Australia’s High Performance 2032+ Sport Strategy Connection to Country Action Plan supporting stronger and more meaningful engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, communities and cultures. 

More information about the program can be found here: Share a Yarn | Australian Institute of Sport 

2026 AIS Share a Yarn mentors: 

Libby Cook-Black (Rugby League)

Clarence ‘CJ’ McCarthy-Grogan (Wheelchair Basketball)

Tay-Leiha Clark (Athletics) (NSWIS)

Maurice Longbottom (Rugby Union)

Kyle Vander-Kuyp (Athletics)

Tyrone Glenbar (Australian Rules football)

Mariah Williams (Hockey) (NSWIS)

Tahlia Taylor-Kickett (Football)

Bo de la Cruz (Touch Football, Rugby Union, League and Australian Rules football)

Jacara Egan (Australian Rules football)

Taliqua Clancy (Volleyball) 

2026 AIS Share a Yarn athlete ambassadors: 

Aaleya Turner (Netball) 

Amanda Reid (Para cycling and snow sport) 

Ava Gaborit (Volleyball)

Bailey Roberts-Lintmeijer (Rugby)

Calab Law (Athletics)

Emily Watts (Triathlon)

Isabella Guthrie (Athletics)

Jack Andrew Davis (Cycling)

Jamie-Lee Surha (Hockey)

Jasmin Guthrie (Athletics)

Jayden Molo (Netball)

Jordan Bliss (Hockey)

Lakara Stallan (Athletics) (NSWIS)

Layla Sharp (Para athletics) (NSWIS)

Leihani Kaloha Zoric (Surfing)

Mackenzie Davis (Rugby)

Marissa Williamson Pohlman (Boxing)

Reese Orcher (Rugby Sevens)

Rhani Hagan (Rugby Sevens)

Sarah-Jane Haywood (Archery)

Scarlet Jauncey (Netball)

Seisia Mair (Sailing)

Taafili Taoso (Water Polo)

Telaya Blacksmith (Para athletics) (NSWIS)

Thewbelle Philp (Athletics)

Tomysha Clark (Athletics)

Tyson Mutsch (Water Polo)

Wallace Charlie (Rugby)

Zara Hagan (Athletics)