Announcing the Rio Tinto Perth Lynx Academy

The Rio Tinto Perth Lynx Academy has been established to introduce athletes to the Lynx playing style, systems and professional standards, while providing a structured environment that focuses on both on‑court development and off‑court education. The program reflects the club’s commitment to building a strong and sustainable pathway into the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL).

The Rio Tinto Perth Lynx Academy will be led by Head Coach, Melissa Marsh, one of Western Australia’s most respected basketball figures. Marsh brings extensive WNBL experience to the role, having played 14 seasons and 266 games with the Perth Lynx/West Coast Waves, before having her #14 jersey retired by the club – the sport’s highest honour.  Following her retirement in 2014, Marsh transitioned into coaching, with her deep understanding of the Lynx environment and high performance expectations crucial to underpinning the Rio Tinto Perth Lynx Academy’s development framework.

Joining Marsh is Assistant Coach, Caleb Nash, who brings experience as an NBL1 men’s athlete and clinic coach. Nash adds energy, professionalism and contemporary playing insight to the coaching group and will support athletes through skill development and competitive growth within the Rio Tinto Perth Lynx Academy environment.

The program will feature weekly dedicated training sessions conducted in a professional setting, with a strong emphasis on skill development, understanding WNBL performance standards, and holistic athlete preparation. In addition to on‑court work, the Rio Tinto Perth Lynx Academy will expose athletes to education around strength and conditioning, fitness testing, nutrition, sports psychology, recovery and injury prevention.

Through the support of Rio Tinto, the Rio Tinto Perth Lynx Academy is positioned to deliver a comprehensive and consistent high performance experience aligned with the standards of the Lynx professional program. The partnership supports the Rio Tinto Perth Lynx Academy’s broader aim of creating meaningful development opportunities for emerging athletes across Western Australia.

Perth Lynx General Manager, Chris Earl, said the Rio Tinto Perth Lynx Academy is a critical step in strengthening the club’s long‑term pathway.  

“The Rio Tinto Perth Lynx Academy is about setting clear standard and preparing athletes for what it truly takes to perform at WNBL level,” Earl said. “With the support of Rio Tinto, we’re able to deliver a program that focuses on development both on and off the court, while giving athletes direct exposure to the Lynx environment. Appointing coaches of the calibre of Melissa and Caleb ensures our Rio Tinto Perth Lynx Academy athletes are learning from people who understand high performance basketball and the values of this club.”

Rio Tinto Iron Ore Vice President People, Matthew Kimball added:

“Rio Tinto is proud to partner with the Perth Lynx on the Academy program, which creates meaningful development opportunities for talented athletes across Western Australia,” Kimball said. “The Rio Tinto Perth Lynx Academy provides a strong foundation for young players by combining high performance sport with education, wellbeing and leadership, and we’re pleased to support a program that helps build pathways for the next generation.”

Further announcements regarding the Rio Tinto Perth Lynx Academy playing group will be made later in the week.