Adelaide United is thrilled to announce that former Adelaide United alumni, Tiarn Powell, is returning to the Reds as an Assistant Coach for the upcoming Ninja A-League Women’s 2024/25 season.
Powell, who made 34 appearances up front for the Reds across three seasons between 2013-2016, will join Head Coach, Adrian Stenta and Assistant Coach, Michele Lastella, in the senior coaching team.
Tiarn has continually shattered the glass ceiling in her progression from player to coach, becoming one of only a handful of female coaches in South Australia to hold an AFC/FA A-licence.
Powell has dedicated herself to the development of female players across South Australia, utilising her experience as a player, coach, and sports administrator. Tiarn has shaped the female football landscape in the state right from the grassroots level, firstly as a Female Participation Officer with Football South Australia and then plying her trade as Coach of the U15 State Girls Team. Powell then created history becoming Adelaide City’s first female coach to lead its historic Go Sunny Solar Women’s National Premier League side for two seasons.
Having previously played alongside current Adelaide United stalwarts, Emily Condon, Dylan Holmes, and Isabel Hodgson in the infancy of their careers with the Reds, Powell’s familiarity with the playing group, Club ethos, and her eye to develop young players leads her in good stead to hit the ground running.
“I’m really excited to be a part of the coaching staff for the upcoming season. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to continue to grow in my own coaching journey.
“As a past player, being able to come back into this environment in a different role, I feel very fortunate and look forward to a successful season.”
Head Coach, Adrian Stenta is excited to bring in Tiarn’s unique experience and breadth of knowledge surrounding the intricacies of the women’s game in South Australia.
“Powell brings an irreplaceable skillset to the technical area this season. As a former Adelaide United player, Tiarn is the perfect fit to come straight in.
“Tiarn is a familiar face amongst the playing group having previously been a part of our Coach Mentoring Program. Her impressive experience as both player and coach across all levels of competition brings in a fresh perspective for the upcoming season.”
Tiarn comes into the coaching group in place of Alice Gorman, who is currently on maternity leave, whilst Luke Harris signs on as Strength and Conditioning Coach. Michael Cooper departs from his assistant coaching tenure to focus on his Subway Joey’s National Team duties, replaced by Marcus Deluca in a dual role as both Assistant Coach and Football Analyst.
Adelaide United looks forward to watching Tiarn Powell guide the 24/25 playing group, continuing her long-standing history with the club as she embarks on this the next step of her coaching career.
