
Talking Performance
Ep 109 - Crystal Kaua - Rugby Coach
Nov 6, 2022
Crystal Kaua, a trailblazing rugby coach, tackles gender bias in sports coaching with a passion for living by her values. She shares her journey with the Blackferns and challenges faced in Japan and New Zealand. Crystal discusses the team's recent World Cup journey and the need for sustainable growth in women's rugby. She also reflects on personal growth while climbing Mount Fuji during COVID and emphasizes the importance of empowering female coaches, advocating for cultural shifts in the coaching community.
59:46
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Quick takeaways
- Crystal Kaua emphasizes the necessity of being recognized as a coach first, rather than being defined by gender in her profession.
- Her transition to an analyst and skills coach role enhanced her understanding of strategies, fostering a supportive culture for holistic athlete development.
Deep dives
Challenges as a Female Coach
Being perceived primarily as a female coach poses significant challenges, as many interviews focus on gender rather than coaching philosophies. This struggle is echoed by experiences in countries like Japan, where gender identity was not a factor in professional discussions. The speaker emphasizes the necessity of viewing her as a coach first and foremost, rather than highlighting her gender. These challenges often lead to feelings of frustration, as the focus on gender can overshadow the skills and insights that a coach brings to the table.
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