Kat Smith: From Gen 32 to the Matildas' Inner Circle

Western United Head Coach Kat Smith has described her time in the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) National Generation 2032 Coach Program (Gen 32) as a “pivotal crossroads” that helped propel her into the national spotlight — and onto the Matildas’ coaching bench.

Smith was part of the first intake of Gen 32, created to fast-track elite coaching talent ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Smith also had her program extended from two to three years thanks to funding from the Australian Government to provide more opportunities for women to pursue coaching roles in high performance sport.

“Gen 32 gave me the confidence, the skills and tools to continue to push for roles within high performance,” Smith said.

“But it also helped me to grow as a human and really believe in the values that I hold.”

That journey came full circle last month when Smith joined the Matildas’ coaching team during their two-match series win against Argentina, working alongside her Gen 32 mentor and outgoing Australian head coach Tom Sermanni.

“Being in camp with the Matildas was phenomenal. Tom has such a personable nature. He’s kind, full of knowledge, and just applies it so seamlessly,” Smith said.

“He gets the best out of everyone — experienced players, debutants — and brings humour to a high-pressure environment.”

The Matildas recorded two wins in the series, and Smith says the performances laid a strong platform for next year’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

“It’s a great start personally, being two from two, but more importantly, it’s a great foundation for the playing group.”

Smith highlighted the community and connection within the Gen 32 program as one of its most powerful features — with coaches from across different sports sharing insights, challenges and wins.

“We had organic opportunities to have conversations with like-minded people — coaches with different experiences but shared values,” she said.

“The great yarning circles, the critical conversations, people to lean on during challenging times — that’s what I’ll carry forward. “There’ve been great friendships and bonds built. I know we’ll always support each other’s journeys.”

The AIS Gen 32 Program, delivered in partnership with National Sporting Organisations and the National Institute Network, provides a structured pathway for emerging high-performance coaches through mentoring, immersive learning, and connection.

And as Smith prepares to officially graduate from her three-year tenure as part of the program, the second cohort of AIS Gen 32 coaches have gathered on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast for their second Learning Lab.

A total of 29 coaches from 24 sports and six state and territory sport institutes and academies are taking part in the 2025-26 edition of Gen 32. For more information on the coaches and future Gen 32 opportunities, visit the Australian Sports Commission website here.