Dr Pip Thomas
PhD, MSpEx, BCom
Athlete Development Coach - Helping Emerging Athletes Thrive
My career from Corporate IT Programme Management to HP Manager at Boxing NZ to writing my PhD in Emerging Athlete Transition in Professional Sport has been an unconventional one. Yet it brings a breadth of knowledge and experience to those I engage with.
As Roosevelt so aptly put “No-one cares how much you know - until they know how much you care!”. And I genuinely care!
In high-performance sports, talent alone is not enough. Athletic character, personal development, and those crucial 1% improvements are what truly count. My DIY skills boosters, planning approach, and real talk and authentic support contribute to better outcomes.
For me, better outcomes mean resilient and fit individuals—physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. Individuals capable of thriving both in life in and beyond sport.
My Continuum Story
As a practitioner I am generally found well away from the limelight which suits me fine because I truly hate being in front of a camera. While this story, should in todays media driven world probably be in video form, I hope a photo and some written words will suffice :) - Pip.
Continuum Performance Academy
Continuum began by supporting two emerging rugby league players displaced by Covid while pursuing professional opportunities in Australia. This effort quickly grew into a sizeable academy, dubbed the #CPATribe. As restrictions eased, athletes returned to their pathways, but strong connections remain.
Emerging Athlete Development
This period reinforced my desire to learn more (completing my PhD in emerging athlete transition) and practice better. They say “you don’t find your purpose your purpose finds you” and this definitely feels true to me.
Emerging athletes being those in collegiate or professional club pathways programmes. I have an existential bias which means my coaching focuses on truth, meaning, choice and responsibility. And of course, relationships are the key to success, not only the relationships with have with others but the relationship we have with ourself.
Real Talk
Having been involved in football (soccer), boxing, rugby league and basketball, what most concerns me is the gap in advocacy and support for emerging athletes whose sporting career prospects typically end during the pathways phase. I believe WE have a duty of care to integrate and nurture individual development alongside athletic development, empowering young people with knowledge, growth and resiliency and appropriately preparing them for life in and beyond sport.
Maximising Opportunities
If this is something you are looking to embrace either as a coach, facilitator or an athlete then please leave your details and I’ll be in touch.