The Sport SA Board represents the South Australia sports industry’s view on matters brought before the Board.
The Board understands and takes its role as the representative of sport, from grassroots through to high performance, very seriously and works tirelessly to ensure all sports in South Australia have a seat at the table when decisions are being made at local, state and national levels.
Two-time Olympian Pat Mickan OLY is the President of Sport SA. With a distinguished career in basketball, where she represented the Opals at three World Championships, and her experience as a member of the Australian netball squad, Mickan has also made significant contributions as a coach and as the AFL's first female skills coach with the Adelaide Football Club.
In addition to her athletic accomplishments, she has a background in journalism and small business ownership.
Dr Mark Giancaspro is a Senior Lecturer and practising commercial lawyer at the University of Adelaide Law School. He teaches and researches contract law, consumer law, and sports law, and regularly provides training to sporting organisations across the country.
He has worked closely with FFSA and SASMA, and publishes widely on contracting issues in sport, particularly with respect to buyout clauses and transfer requests. Mark joined the Board of Sport SA in April 2019 and is passionate about helping the organisation advocate and deliver for its members and the sporting sector.
Sally Underdown has career experience spanning the public service and not-for-profit sectors. She has worked as an allied health clinician and held senior leader roles within several federal government departments as well as non-government organisations, including peak representative bodies.
A strategic and innovative leader, who has developed and implemented a range of policy and programs with a focus on sport and health, as well as Aboriginal affairs. Sally has extensive experience in the development of social policies, as well as national program development and delivery. She has worked as an Exercise Physiologist and as an Assistant Director within the Australian Sports Commission. She has also held volunteering roles in several community sports organisations.
She has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise Physiology); and a Grad Cert in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Sally is currently the State Manager SA and NT with the Alcohol and Drug Foundation; a Board Member of the South Australian Network of Drug and Alcohol Services; and a Member of the South Austrailan Suicide Prevention Council.
Mike is semi-retired following a very extensive career working with Local, State and Federal Governments in the Education and Sport / Recreation sectors.
Mike started his working career as a Physical Education Teacher at Victor Harbor where he also ran the Aquatic Centre. This is also when he started his community sport and recreation involvement via coaching, sports administration and the creation of new sporting opportunities for the community.
After 12 years he moved across to the Department of Recreation and Sport in a Sport Development and Youth Leadership role working with Local Governments, Schools and Sport Development Officers from all sports.
This led to a similar role at a national level with a job at the Australian Sports Commission in Canberra where again he worked in Sport and Leadership Development across Australia. Whilst in Canberra he also picked up a role undertaking Sports Development across the South Pacific. Again, this was working with Governments, Schools and Sports Development Officers to develop leadership and assist in creating strong communities. Mike was responsible for the program in Fiji, Western Samoa and American Samoa.
With the birth of his first child, he moved back to Adelaide to be near family where he again got a job back in the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing. He continued to work there for a number of years working his way up through Management to be appointed the Director where he stayed for 8 years prior to going into semi-retirement but continuing to work at various roles on a part-time basis.
Throughout this time he has continued involvement at a local community level in coaching and administration mainly in Surf Life Saving and Aussie Rules.
John has been involved in club, State and National sporting committees and boards since 1984 with various sports – SANFL, Squash and Dragon Boat. He played pennant Squash for 40 years and took up Dragon Boat in 1999 to give his knees a rest. Sport has always been an integral part of his leisure time.
After retiring in 2008 Johnn pursued his sporting interests and gained accreditations in coaching, officiating and training. He has a Cert IV in Training and Assessment as a Dragon Boat Coach trainer.
He was the President of Dragon Boat SA for 13 years until 2017 when he retired to join the Australian Dragon Boat Federation and has now served the maximum 6 years as Finance Director and President retiring in November 2023.
He has been the chair of numerous Australian Masters Games and SA Masters Games Dragon Boat events as well as the World Police and Fire Games, Australian National Dragon Boat Championships and Australian Masters Squash Championships.
John joined the Board of Sport SA in September 2023.
Alex is the Founder and Managing Director of Lemon and Lime Digital, a consultancy practice specialising in marketing, communications, events and business strategy for not for profits, associations and small- medium business.
With over two decades working in community engagement and events, Alex now brings her vast experience and skills to Lemon and Lime Digital, to help small to medium businesses, associations and not-for-profits to develop and maintain an effective online presence and communication lines with their clients. Alex also works closely with businesses in a consultancy capacity, focusing on membership, marketing, sponsorship/ partnership and streamlining business practices.
Alex is an Independent Board Member with the Fleurieu Regional Waste Authority, an Independent Member of the City of Unley's Business and Economic Development Advisory Committee and the Secretary of South Coast United Soccer Club. She has been part of the Club for close to 20 years. Alex was also an inaugural participant in the Football Australia Women in Football Leadership program and the Marjorie Jackson-Nelson Centre for Women's Sport. Alex is passionate about grassroots sport and the positive impact it has on the community, players and volunteers involved.
Alex joined the Sport SA Board in February 2024.
Adam May is a dedicated professional in the sports industry, currently serving as the General Manager of Finance & Commercial at Basketball SA since October 2021. He has extensive executive experience in finance and accounting, particularly within high-profile sports organizations.
Previously, Adam held key roles at the Adelaide 36ers, including Chief Financial Officer and Interim Chief Executive Officer, where he was responsible for financial strategy and management. His leadership was crucial during the club's relocation to the Adelaide Entertainment Centre and in overseeing COVID-19 protocols.
Adam's governance experience includes board positions with Hockey SA and the SA Wheelchair Basketball Association, where he contributed to policy development and strategic planning. He has also been involved in significant projects such as the development of the State Basketball Centre at Wayville. With a lifelong passion for basketball and a commitment to community engagement, Adam aims to foster growth and innovation within South Australian sports, leveraging his expertise to address challenges in the sector.
Sport SA has established a number of Sub-Committees to advise and make recommendations to the Board and/or Staff.
These may reflect the strategic directions of the organisation, may be operational or project-based or reflect current business and trends in the sports industry.
Andrew Witts - Chair
The Hon Michael Wright
Mary-Ann Trevaskis
Leah Cassidy
The Hon Michael Wright
Dr Mark Giancaspro
Sally Underdown
Kelly Rourke - Chair
Karla Della Pietra
Thomas Etherton
James Harris
Marija Lentic
Chelsea Packer
Jane Woodlands Thompson
Julie Anderson
The Hon Michael Wright
Robert Gerard AO (Chair)
Juliet Haslam OAM/OLY
Rachael Sporn OAM/OLY
Pat Mickan OLY
Steven Trigg
Cameron Mudge
Jim Plouffe
Ben Hook (Chair)
Pat Mickan OLY
Michelle den Dekker OAM/OLY
Bruce McAvaney OAM
Anna Meares OAM/OLY
Katrina Webb OAM/OLY
Michael Sexton
Individuals who have made a significant contribution to Sport SA are honoured with the esteemed recognition of Life Membership.
Colin Steinert (2002)
Murray Tippett (2002)
Kathy Stanton AM (2003)
John Dicker APM (2010)
Joe Stevens OAM (2021)
David Hutton (2022)
Jill George (2008)
The Hon Michael Wright (2024)
At Sport SA, our staff are the heartbeat of our organisation, working collaboratively and passionately to achieve our shared vision.
Leah has more than 25 years of experience in sport and recreation, education management and human services working in Australia, Hong Kong and Turkey. Leah joined Sport SA in late August 2018. Leah has a Master's Degree from the University of Leicester (UK) in Sport and Recreation Management, a Bachelor of Education Degree (Physical Education) and a Diploma of Government (Project Management).
Leah comes from a multi-sport background having participated in hockey, cricket (indoor and outdoor), athletics, cross country, vigoro, badminton, basketball and tennis.
Leah has a strong belief in the power of sports to change lives and communities. It is this belief that led her first into teaching Health and Physical Education and then into sports administration.
Julie has thirteen years of experience as a senior executive with Softball, Football, Basketball and Equestrian. In addition, Julie has over ten years of service as a Board Member with Women’s Sport Australia (Vice Chair), Sport SA (Vice Chair) and East Marden PS (Chair) Governing Council.
Julie resided and worked in sports in England (UK) for five years with a Sports Partnership and Sports Coach UK. Additionally, Julie coached Basketball at a National League level with Manchester and an International level with England.
Julie has a BA in Sports Management; a GD in Applied Science Sports Coaching; Certificate in Recreation and Facilities Management; is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is currently completing a Bachelor of Laws.
Julie played, coached and officiated in Basketball and Football at the community through to elite level. Julie has competed in seven World Masters Games winning Gold, Silver and Bronze medals.
Julie is a lifelong advocate of women’s sports and is currently the Women’s Sport Lead responsible for the establishment of the Marjorie Jackson-Nelson Centre for Women’s Sport.
Teagan joined Sport SA in her first year after graduating with a bachelor's degree in business in Digital Marketing and Communications from the University of Adelaide. Her academic background provides a solid foundation in strategy, content creation, and digital engagement; skills she now brings to her role with enthusiasm. A keen volleyball player herself, Teagan has long been involved in community sport and understands the impact that participation can have on individuals and communities. Her experiences have fueled a commitment to advocating for greater inclusion for women in sport. Teagan is excited to play a role in fostering participation and furthering the growth of sport in South Australia through the delivery of targeted marketing communications and social media activities.
Marie has spent over 20 years in the Performing Arts and is now moving into the sports industry. She has been a sport participant all her life from tea-ball & netball as a child to Australian rules football & cricket as an adult. She now finds her place at Sport SA after completing a Diploma of Sports Management in 2023 and is a participant in the inaugural Majorie Jackson-Nelson Centre for Women’s Sport program.
Juliet has extensive experience in the sports and business industry and enjoys working with organisations to achieve their goals through strategic planning, problem solving, collaboration, marketing, and partnerships.
Currently, Juliet is the Senior Leader for Strategy and Growth at Sport SA and the Marjorie Jackson-Nelson Centre for Women’s Sport with the aim to drive sport participation and leadership, gender equity, and career opportunities for women in sport.
Juliet was previously a professional athlete playing 220 international games with the Hockeyroos and competing in 3 Olympic Games (winning 2 gold medals) 2 World Cups (2 gold) Commonwealth Games (gold) and 5 x Champion Trophy tournaments (4 gold).
Important to Juliet is her work with the Board of Governors for the SA Sport Hall of Fame, the Australian Olympians Association, the Robert Gerard Emerging Athlete Development Fund (providing support to the next generation of elite athletes in South Australia) and Ambassador roles with Port Adelaide Football Club, Coastrek, Roger Rasheed Sports Foundation and Lifeline, as well as her previous director roles with Hockey Australia and Hockey SA.
Juliet is the proud Mum of 2 sporty boys and loves to encourage everyone to stay physically active and to be involved in sport in any capacity. She is currently obsessed with playing pickleball!