Institute of Sports Science

Prof. Donna O'Connor

Contact
Institute of Sports Science
Wilhelmstraße 124
Donna.oconnorspam prevention@sydney.edu.au
Consultation Times (PDF)


Main research

  • Coaching pedagogy
  • Coach development and performance
  • Athlete development
  • Injuries in rugby league

Short vita

2020
ICCE Trained Coach Developer
Since 2018
Professor of Sports Coaching, Program Director - Health and Physical Education and Sports Coaching

University of Sydney

2016
Excellence in Teaching Award

Faculty of Education and Social Work, University of Sydney

2007
Outstanding contribution to student Learning Award
2006
Vice Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Teaching

University of Sydney

2004-2008
High Performance Coach

Australian Women’s Basketball team

1997-2001
Strength & Conditioning coach

North Queensland Cowboys NRL

1997
Doctor of Philosophy

University of Sydney


Selected publications

Journal articles

  • Haddad, G., O’Connor, D. & Burns, K. (2021). The decision to adopt a formal athlete leadership group: Qualitative insights from professional football coaches. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 52, DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2020.101803
  • Ford, P., Hodges, N., Broadbent, D., O’Connor, D., Scott, D., Datson, N., Andersson, H. & Williams, A.M. (2020). The developmental and professional activities of female international soccer players from five high-performing nations. Journal of Sports Science, DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2020.1789384
  • Cupples, B., O’Connor, D. & Cobley, S. (2020). Assessing the ecological context strengths of school-based talent development programmes in rugby league. Research Quarterly Exercise and Sport, DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2020.1769010
  • O’Connor, D., Gardner, L., Larkin, P. & Pope, A.  (2020). Positive youth development and gender differences in high performance contexts. Journal of Sports Sciences, 38(11-12), 1399-1407.

Functions and memberships

  • Member of the World Congress Science and Football Steering Committee
  • Member of National Rugby League Research Board