Tania Gaye Cassidy (born 1964) is a New Zealand academic, and is a full professor at the University of Otago, specialising in sports pedagogy, especially that of sports coaching.
Tania Cassidy | |
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Born | 1964 (age 59–60) |
Academic background | |
Alma mater | Deakin University |
Theses |
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Academic work | |
Institutions | University of Otago |
Doctoral students | Anne-Marie Jackson |
Cassidy completed a Masters of Physical Education at the University of Otago, and then moved to Deakin University in Australia to complete a PhD titled Investigating the pedagogical process in physical education teacher education.[1][2] Cassidy then joined the faculty of the University of Otago, rising to associate professor in 2015,[3] and full professor in 2024.[4]
Cassidy is interested in sports pedagogy, including the pedagogy of sports coaching, talent identification and selection, and athlete learning and development.[4][5] Cassidy has spoken about the lack of emphasis on morals in New Zealand rugby, sports coaching as a growth industry, and how centralised systems for high-performance sports do not meet the needs of all athletes.[6][7][8] Her 2009 book on sports coaching was one of Routledge's bestselling sports books, and has arguably helped influence the development of coaching.[9][4] She has held advisory roles with New Zealand Hockey, New Zealand Cricket and New Zealand Football, and chaired Otago Hockey.[4][10] She was an ambassador for the 2022 Women's Cricket World Cup tournament.[11] Cassidy has also helped develop programmes for Taiwanese coaches and athletes.[4][12]
Cassidy has a Visiting Professor at University College Cork, Ireland.[5] She is on the editorial board for several journals, including International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, International Journal of Sports Psychology, and the New Zealand Physical Educator.[13]
A notable doctoral student of Cassidy's is Anne-Marie Jackson.[14]