People of Pymble – Sport
Mackenzie Little
Alumni and Australian javelin thrower
Mackenzie Little
Alumni and Australian javelin thrower
My journey began at Little Athletics, where I discovered my passion for track and field, but it wasn’t until I was in Year 7 at Pymble that I ventured into javelin and excelled in 400m hurdles and heptathlon, securing state and national titles.
Following years of training with some amazing coaches at Pymble, at age 17 I triumphed at the World Youth Championships before earning two NCAA titles at Stanford University.
In 2022, I claimed a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games and a bronze at the World Athletics Championships in 2023, securing my qualification to the Paris 2024 Olympics.
I’m currently balancing my medical career with my athletics career, and I’m honoured to be a role model and an inspiration to all the young girls who look up to me.
Méa Shires
Pymble student and diver
Méa Shires
Pymble student and diver
My name is Méa, and I’m currently in Year 10 at Pymble Ladies’ College. I was introduced to diving in Year 5 and, thanks to the Pymble coaching team, I quickly fell in love with the sport.
Achieving milestones like reaching School Sports Australia in 2019 and winning the prestigious awards of NSW Diver of the Year (14/15 years) and Australian Diver of the Year (14/15 years) in 2023 has only further fuelled my passion.
I also recently secured a scholarship at the NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) where I’m competing in the elite diving pathway. Looking forward, I’m excited about representing my country in international competitions. Pymble will always hold a special place in my heart for introducing me to the sport of diving and helping shape my journey.
Rachel Maenpaa
Head Coach – Basketball
Rachel Maenpaa
Head Coach – Basketball
I have been Head Coach of Basketball at Pymble for the past seven years.
Before I started working at the College, I played Division 1 NCAA basketball for Indiana State University and then went on to play four years professionally in Europe and 12 years in Australia’s NBL1 competition, with my last playing stint being for the Sydney Flames in the WNBL.
I have also coached numerous rep teams, helped the NSW U/20s state team to a silver medal at nationals and have also been an assistant coach with the Sydney Flames in the WNBL. As well as coaching at Pymble, I’m also currently the head coach
Finn Tainsh
Rowing Coach
Finn Tainsh
Rowing Coach
I’m currently co-coach of Pymble’s mighty intermediate 1st and 2nd quads, with the aim of nurturing discipline, resilience and overall success in our rowers.
Growing up, I learned about rowing through my uncle’s stories of success. Since then, I’ve competed in multiple Head of the River events, becoming captain of boats and securing state and national titles as a student at Newington College. This passion led me to coach rowing, firstly returning to Newington and now at Pymble.
At Newington, I revitalised the rowing program, coaching teams to podium finishes and premiership titles. My coaching philosophy revolves around passion, professionalism and purpose, as I believe that energy, commitment and a sense of purpose drive success.
