Thorsten Gohl, Sport Lead for the Women & Gender Equity (WAGE) in Coaching Project with Table Tennis Canada, is enthusiastic about the potential of the Mentorship program within the sport. Collaborating with other Sport Leads from across the country in a Community of Practice, Thorsten believes this initiative will bring Sport & Recreation closer together, fostering a supportive environment for coaches and athletes alike.
When asked about his motivation for accepting this role, Thorsten expressed a deep commitment to empowerment. “I like to empower those around me and give them opportunities to become the best version of themselves,” he shared. He sees immense value in learning from other organizations and the Coaching Association of Canada, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, shared experiences, and long-term support.
In his role, Thorsten will be responsible for supporting both mentors and mentees involved in the project. He is particularly excited about featuring their stories to inspire others within the community. “Highlighting their journeys will not only motivate others but also showcase the diverse paths within coaching,” he noted.
As we had many discussions, Mariann Domonkos and I (former national team athlete and coach), recognized that there is so much knowledge in this country regarding Table Tennis that we need to utilize. This insight has been pivotal as we embark on this journey, bringing Mariann in to support our own mentorship program, along with others who will join us in this adventure.
Thorsten envisions significant benefits for Canadian Table Tennis through this project. “We have a Women Coach Mentorship initiative underway, aimed at helping six coaches from six regions achieve certification in Competition Development by 2027,” he explained. Beyond certification, the project aims to create pathways for these coaches to be selected as National Team Coaches. By learning from other sports and engaging in the Community of Practice, Thorsten believes that table tennis can grow and thrive.
When asked what he would do to facilitate the path of young female coaches or improve the table tennis scene in Canada, Thorsten emphasized that a magic wand is not necessary. “We have amazing people in place to support the development of the sport,” he stated. With the guidance of Technical Director Marles Martins and the passionate efforts of Karine Dumontier in Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Thorsten is confident that the right support systems are already in place.
As the Women Coach Mentorship program takes shape, Thorsten sees it as a great opportunity to build on existing initiatives. “By sharing our learnings, listening to others, and celebrating their successes, we can collectively make a difference for our coaches,” he concluded.
The future of Table Tennis in Canada looks promising, as the sport embraces equity, diversity, and the empowerment of women coaches.
