Date: Various (see below)

Nominations Close: Thursday 22nd October at midday.

Location: Lakeside Stadium, Zoom

Cost: Free

Little Athletics Victoria and Athletics Victoria are proud to again deliver StrideMentor – a powerful mentorship program designed to keep girls aged 14 and 15 engaged, inspired, and active. Across three dynamic sessions during the 2026–27 summer season, the interactions will offer guidance, inspiration, and a strong sense of community.

Led by elite female athletes, StrideMentor will offer two streams:

  • Mentee – groups of 6-8 young women will partner with a mentor and work with an elite athlete across the season. The StrideMentor Mentee Stream is by application only, and is open to girls born in 2012 and 2013.
  • Peer Mentor – we are excited to be introducing a peer-mentor stream for to those who’ve already been involved in StrideMentor or are born between 2010-2012. This is a great opportunity for young women who’d like to help create community and encourage engagement and interaction in these sessions. There will be two peer-mentor places available with each mentor.

Successful candidates will be advised directly following close of nominations.

Session Date & Time
Meet & Greet Sun Nov 1 (10:30-11:30am) at Lakeside – Amy, Bec, Bendere, Dayna, Jemma, Lexi, Mia G, and Mia S’ Groups

Sun Nov 8 (11:00-12:00noon) at Whittlesea City LAC – Jemima’s Group
Online Check In Fri Nov 20 (5:00-6:00pm)
Online Check In Fri Feb 5 (5:00-6:00pm)
Amy Cashin /

My name is Amy Cashin and I am an Australia Steeplechaser and distance athlete who has been doing athletics for around 22 years. While I absolutely love challenging myself to be the best athlete I can possibly be, trying to reach my maximum potential, and love competing at the highest levels representing Australia, my favorite part of athletics is how much fun it is and the community surrounding it. I’ve competed at all levels including local, national, NCAA and international, and have also coached at a local and NCAA level.

Bec Henderson /

Bec is an Australian race walker who has competed internationally and represented Australia at major championships. She has been involved in athletics for many years and has experienced the sport both at home and overseas.

“Athletics is such a fun sport with the constant opportunity to learn, work towards new goals and improve yourself. It has such a fantastic community full of inspiring individuals from all walks of life. Athletics has given me so many opportunities such as travel, international competition as well as many lifelong friends.”

Bendere Oboya /

Bendere is a two-time Olympian who moved to Australia from Ethiopia as a young child and went on to represent Australia in both the 400m and 800m. She is also the founder of the Oboya Foundation, which works to remove financial, cultural and social barriers to athletics by providing free coaching and support for young people. Bendere is passionate about representation, multiculturalism and creating spaces where young people can feel a sense of belonging through sport.

Dayna Crees /

I’m a Paralympic & World Championship Bronze Medallist in the F34 Javelin and have been doing athletics since I was 12. Unfortunately I didn’t have the opportunity to do Little Athletics when I was first getting started due to there being no multi class program but now I’ve been super lucky and fortunate to have been the Multiclass ambassador for Cranbourne Little Athletics the last 3 years! I love athletics and all the lifelong friends I’ve made, I love how I get to travel around Australia & the world doing what I love and create amazing memories. I love the feeling of throwing a PB and hopefully being able to inspire the next generation of athletes coming through.

Jemima Montag /

I am a dual Olympic medallist, triple Commonwealth Games gold medallist, and national record holder for the 20km walk. When I’m not training, you’ll find me studying medicine, cooking, or playing the piano. I started Little Athletics with my two younger sisters when I was 8 years old. It was the perfect family morning out – making friends, running around in the sunshine, and enjoying the canteen or barbecue at the end. Since then, athletics has taught me very useful life skills like goal setting, dedication, teamwork, and how to overcome challenges.

Jemma Pollard /

I’m a 400m sprinter and part of the Australian 4x400m relay team. I have represented Australia at World Athletics and most recently, the Commonwealth Games. What I enjoy most about athletics is the friendships I’ve built, moving my body, and looking forward to training with my coach and squad to keep improving. I’ve learnt so much about my mindset over the years, especially through setbacks like working back from a hamstring injury and overcoming asthma. I’m passionate about helping young female athletes build confidence and stay connected to the sport they love, and I’d be excited to bring that to the StrideMentor program.

Lexi Loizou /

Hello! My name is Lexi and I am a 400m sprinter. I’ve been fortunate enough to represent Australia at the World Relays and win the Stawell Gift, but some of the most meaningful parts of my athletics journey have been the people I’ve met and the support network I’ve built along the way. A big part of athletics for me has been finding my “why” — and for me, that is my people. They are the ones who support me through the highs and lows and remind me why I love the sport. I would love the opportunity to mentor young women coming through athletics, share the lessons I’ve learnt, and be someone they can turn to for encouragement, guidance and support. Mentoring the next generation really resonates with me, and I hope I can help young athletes find their own “why” and build a positive relationship with the sport that extends beyond their results on the track.

Mia Gross /

I have been competing for Australia for the past nearly 10 years now in the sprints disciplines (100,200,400,4×100,4x400m)!! I feel as though I have had many life lessons and have a very glass half full vibe and energy that can be really positive to young people going through life!!

Mia Scerri /

Athletics has become much more than a sport to me, it is an environment where I am constantly challenged to grow, both as an athlete and as a person. I enjoy the discipline, determination, and resilience that athletics demands, as well as the satisfaction of seeing small improvements develop into meaningful progress. What I value most is how the lessons I learn through athletics extend beyond training and competition and into everyday life, helping me approach challenges with greater confidence, manage setbacks, and stay committed to my goals. Athletics has shaped the way I think, work, and respond to challenges, while also giving me a strong sense of community through training and competing alongside others.

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