Bishop Druitt College High Performance Program – 7 Years of Excellence
By Natalie Titcume, Head of High Performance & Sports Academies
As we enter the seventh year of the Bishop Druitt College High Performance Program, it is inspiring to reflect on how far we have come. What began as a bold vision to support regional athletes on the Mid North Coast has grown into a thriving, structured pathway that continues to go from strength to strength.
Our program was built on a simple but powerful belief: regional athletes deserve access to world-class support, pathways and opportunity.
National and International Success
One of our proudest recent milestones has been the achievements of Daniel Williams, who represented Australia at the World Junior Athletics Championships and has now been awarded a five-year full athletic scholarship to Penn State University in the United States.
Daniel’s journey is a powerful example of what is possible when talent, work ethic and the right environment come together. He is paving the way for future BDC athletes to believe that global pathways are not out of reach — even from regional Australia.
And we are only just getting started.
Leadership Built on Olympic Experience
As Director of High Performance and Sports Academies, I bring not only over 25 years of experience as an educator, but firsthand experience of competing at the very highest level.
I had the honour of representing Australia at three Olympic Games:
- Bronze Medal – 2000 Summer Olympics (Sydney)
- Silver Medal – 2004 Summer Olympics (Athens)
- Bronze Medal – 2008 Summer Olympics (Beijing)
Most recently, I was deeply humbled to be inducted into the World Baseball Softball Confederation Hall of Fame, recognising my contribution to the sport on the world stage.
These experiences shape the culture of our program. I understand what it takes to perform under pressure, to navigate setbacks, and to pursue excellence over many years. My vision has always been to create pathways and genuine support systems for regional athletes — ensuring Mid North Coast talent is recognised and developed.
A Team Behind the Athletes
High performance is never achieved alone. It takes a committed and highly skilled team.
Strength & Conditioning Excellence
Our Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, Lili Smyth, has been with the program since its inception. Lili is a highly credentialed trainer and qualified sports nutritionist who plays a critical role in developing strong, resilient and educated athletes. Her expertise ensures our students understand not just how to train, but why they train — and how to fuel their bodies for performance.
Injury Prevention & Rehabilitation Partnership
Our long-standing partnership with Hoys Health & Wellness has been integral to our success. From day one, Hoys has provided injury clinics and physiotherapy support to High Performance and Academy athletes.
With physios onsite in our High Performance facility, students receive early assessment and preferred treatment times — allowing for proactive management rather than reactive recovery. This professional integration gives our athletes access to services typically reserved for elite environments.
Research & Wellbeing Support
This year, we are further strengthening our athlete care model with Chris Cherry, who is currently undertaking his PhD focused on student-athlete wellbeing. Chris brings over 20 years of training experience and now serves on staff within our PE department. His weekly involvement ensures our program continues to evolve through research-informed practice — supporting not only performance, but long-term athlete health and development.
Flexible Learning for Dedicated Athletes
One of the defining strengths of the BDC High Performance Program is flexibility.
Students can:
- Access the High Performance facility during scheduled timetable allocations
- Train during lunch and recess
- Utilise before and after school sessions
- Adjust around academic commitments when study schedules clash
We believe excellence in sport and excellence in academics can — and should — co-exist. This flexibility empowers student-athletes to pursue both without compromise.
Vision, Pathways and Community
Over the past seven years, the High Performance Program has expanded alongside thriving Sports Academies in:
- AFL
- Basketball
- Golf
- Football (Soccer)
- Netball
These academies were created to recognise emerging talent and provide structured development opportunities within a school setting — something previously unavailable in our region.
The Bishop Druitt College community celebrates growth, commitment and opportunity. We proudly live our motto of being “World Prepared.”
The Future is Bright
As we continue to build, our focus remains strong:
- Developing national and international representatives
- Strengthening academic and wellbeing support
- Expanding professional partnerships
- Creating Olympic and professional pathways
We look forward to celebrating our first Olympian, Matilda, Boomer, Diamond — and many more national representatives in the years ahead.
Seven years in, the foundation is strong.
The vision is clear.
And the future for BDC High Performance has never been brighter.
As we all gather and stand upon Country, may we acknowledge and respect Gumbaynggirr Land and the thousands of years’ worth of both physical and spiritual connection to Country, culture and teachings embedded forever within these Lands.