Our People

We’re more than an organisation – we’re a team of passionate advocates.
Pat Mickan OLY
President
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Pat Mickan OLY
Pat Mickan brings a lifetime of sporting achievement and leadership to her role as President of Sport SA. A proud South Australian Sports Hall of Fame member and two-time Olympian, Pat represented the Opals at three World Championships and was part of the Australian netball squad. She’s also broken barriers as the AFL’s first female skills coach with the Adelaide Football Club, while building a career in coaching, journalism, and small business. Pat’s passion for sport and community shines through everything she does.
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Dr Mark Giancaspro
Vice President
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Dr Mark Giancaspro
Dr Mark Giancaspro is a Senior Lecturer and practising commercial lawyer at the University of Adelaide Law School. Specialising in contract, consumer, and sports law, Mark works closely with sporting organisations and brings deep expertise to help Sport SA advocate and deliver for its members.
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John Holland
Director
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John Holland
John Holland joined the Sport SA Board in 2023, bringing decades of experience across SANFL, Squash, and Dragon Boat at club, state, and national levels. A former President of Dragon Boat SA and the Australian Dragon Boat Federation, John has chaired major events including the Australian Masters Games and World Police and Fire Games, and remains passionate about growing sport in South Australia.
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Tanya Hosch
Director
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Tanya Hosch
Tanya Hosch is one of Australia’s most respected leaders in inclusion, governance and social impact, with a distinguished career spanning sport, public policy, advocacy and cultural leadership. She is widely recognised for her work advancing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and driving meaningful change across some of Australia’s most influential organisations. In 2016, Tanya became the first Indigenous person appointed to the AFL Executive, wherE she led national initiatives focused on inclusion, anti-racism, gender equity and social policy. Her leadership has helped shape important reforms across Australian sport and has earned recognition nationally, including being named South Australian, Australian of the Year in 2021. Tanya brings extensive board and governance experience, along with a proven ability to build partnerships, influence change and create more inclusive communities. Passionate about the role sport can play in bringing people together, she is committed to helping ensure all South Australians have the opportunity to participate, belong and thrive through sport.
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Joshua Taylor
Director
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Joshua Taylor
Josh is the Managing Partner of Taylor Wright Lawyers, bringing more than 15 years of experience advising businesses, organisations and associations across governance, employment, commercial and regulatory matters. Known for his practical approach to problem-solving, Josh helps navigate legal and governance challenges while supporting sustainable growth. He is also a recognised contributor to the legal profession, having published in leading Australian legal journals on governance and dispute resolution topics. Sport has played a significant role throughout Josh’s life. A four-time Queensland softball representative, he has contributed to the sport as a player, coach, umpire, volunteer, administrator and board member. His experience includes officiating state championships, supporting athlete development programs and serving on sporting and community boards. Josh brings valuable expertise in governance, compliance and board responsibilities, along with a genuine appreciation for the role community sport plays in building stronger, more connected communities. Having recently made South Australia home, he is passionate about contributing to the future growth and success of sport across the state.
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Daniel Crago
Director
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Daniel Crago
Daniel Crago joined the Sport SA Board in 2026, bringing more than 20 years of experience in communications, strategy, stakeholder engagement and governance. He is co-founder of Influence Communication, where he advises boards and executive teams across the corporate, government and not-for-profit sectors on reputation, advocacy and organisational strategy. A lifelong sport participant, coach, umpire and volunteer, Daniel is passionate about the role community sport plays in building healthier, more connected communities. He is committed to helping Sport SA strengthen its advocacy and clearly communicate the value sport delivers across South Australia.
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Dr Kristyn Bell
Director
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Dr Kristyn Bell
Dr Kristyn Bell is a Sport and Exercise Physician Registrar with ACSEP, combining clinical expertise with a passion for athlete health and performance. She works with Adelaide Lightning as a team doctor, lectures at the University of Adelaide, and researches the impact of diet on stress fractures in athletes. Kristyn is committed to evidence-based care and champions female athlete health across all levels of sport.
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Leah Cassidy
CEO
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Leah Cassidy
Leah Cassidy leads Sport SA with a clear passion for what sport can do for people and communities. With decades of experience and a drive for inclusion and growth, she’s all about creating opportunities and making sure sport thrives across South Australia. With a Masters degree in Sport and Recreation management, Leah has led sporting programs in Australia, Istanbul and Hong Kong. From Leah: “I have seen firsthand the power of sport to change lives, it drives my passion to see South Australia leading the way for everyone to have a place in sport.” ceo@sportsa.org.au
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Juliet Haslam
Senior Leader, Strategy & Growth
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Juliet Haslam
Juliet works with members to drive participation, leadership, and gender equity in sport through strategic planning, partnerships, and growth initiatives. With extensive experience across both sport and business—and a decorated career as a dual Olympic gold medallist with the Hockeyroos—Juliet brings insight and passion to help organisations achieve their goals. She’s your resource for building strategy, fostering collaboration, and creating opportunities for women in sport. strategy@sportsa.org.au
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Kelly Rourke
Operations Manager
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Kelly Rourke
Kelly brings extensive leadership and integrity expertise to Sport SA, where she supports members through high‑quality training and professional development opportunities. With senior experience across the NRL, the NBL, Gymnastics Australia and Boccia Australia, as well as a decorated policing career in Australia and the UK, Kelly offers deep industry knowledge and a strong commitment to building capability within the sport sector. As Chair of the Sport SA Marjorie Jackson-Nelson Working Group, she is also a passionate advocate for advancing women’s participation and leadership in sport. Operations@sportsa.org.au
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Julie Clifton
Women's Sport Lead
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Julie Clifton
Julie Clifton leads the Marjorie Jackson-Nelson Centre for Women’s Sport, bringing a practical, relationship-driven approach and a passion for creating clear pathways for women in sport. As the first female President in the 154-year history of the Willunga Football Club, she grew female participation from six players to multiple junior and senior squads. Julie has chaired the Centre’s Alumnae Advisory Group since 2025 and is an AFLW SA Ambassador, with a career spanning policing, education and the not-for-profit sector. She’s your contact for everything relating to the Marjori Jackson-nelson centre for Women’s Sport and for building opportunities for women in sport across South Australia. womenssport@sportsa.org.au
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Teagan Dix
Communications & Events Officer
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Teagan Dix
Teagan is here to help members amplify their stories and connect with the sporting community. With expertise in digital marketing and communications, she manages Sport SA’s events, social media, and campaigns to showcase achievements and drive engagement. If you need support promoting your programs, sharing success stories, or boosting your online presence, Teagan is your go-to resource. communication@sportsa.org.au
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Marie Docking
Admin Support & Membership
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Marie Docking
Marie is your first point of contact for membership and administrative support. With a background in event and facilities management and a lifelong passion for participation, she ensures members receive smooth, efficient service and the information they need. Whether it’s joining Sport SA, updating details, or accessing member benefits, Marie is here to make the process easy and welcoming. adminsupport@sportsa.org.au
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Tony Hall
Project Officer
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Tony Hall
Tony Hall is a wonderful volunteer and proudly manages the Ashleigh Young Scholarship which enables more South Australian Women to become part of the Majorie Jackson-Nelson Centre for Women’s Sport. It’s a role close to his heart as Ashleigh’s uncle, and with experience across business and community sport, he brings passion and professionalism to every event he delivers. projects@sportsa.org.au
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Jill George
Volunteer
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Jill George
Jill George volunteers to be your go‑to first point of contact, bringing over 50 years of experience across school and community sport. Her state and national leadership ensures you get clear, confident guidance whenever you need it. admin@sportsa.org.au
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Debbie Ashcroft
Volunteer
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Debbie Ashcroft
Volunteer Debbie Ashcroft is the warm, reliable first point of contact at Sport SA, with over 10 years’ experience in reception and administration. She’s the friendly face at the door and the helpful voice on the phone, ready to guide you to what you need. admin@sportsa.org.au
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