Brisbane Heat coach Peter McGiffin calls it a day

Brisbane Heat Women’s Big Bash League championship coach Peter McGiffin has announced he will step down from his coaching roles at Queensland Cricket.



McGiffin, who took the Heat to its inaugural WBBL title last month and the Konica Minolta Queensland Fire to the Final of the Women’s National Cricket League earlier this month, informed Queensland Cricket last week that he intended to stand down for personal reasons.



McGiffin has been Heat and Fire head coach for the past two seasons after previously working as assistant coach for both teams and heading the women’s pathway program.



A Level III Cricket Australia coach, the Mackay product also worked within Queensland Cricket’s coach and talent specialist network.



A health and physical education teacher for 24 years, he was a North Queensland representative player and later served as Director of Coaching in the Mackay/Whitsunday region.



Queensland Cricket’s General Manager – High Performance Brett Jones congratulated McGiffin on his achievements.



“For the past two years Pete has been head coach of our women’s teams where he shaped a fantastic program for the players that culminated in the Heat winning the WBBL|04 title and the Queensland Fire making the WNCL final,’’ he said.



“He also played a critical role in the establishment of a connected State-wide network of Coach and Talent Specialists, before leading the women’s pathway program and working as an assistant within the Heat and Fire squads during his initial years with Queensland Cricket.”



“While Pete enjoyed well-earned on-field success this season, his time with Queensland Cricket will be remembered for the integrity, passion and care he displayed when enabling our elite and emerging cricketers to achieve their dreams.”



“He was always keen to bring new methods to his coaching with the aim of ensuring players were as well prepared as possible. He played a major role in supporting critical research into player skill development aimed at increasing the use of match-based scenarios rather than traditional net training,” Jones said.



McGiffin thanked Queensland Cricket for its support and backing during his four and half years with the organisation.



“It was not an easy decision to step back from a job that I have thoroughly enjoyed, but I know I have made the right call,’’ he said.



“The players will be in good hands in the future and I am grateful to them for the work that we have done together and for their willingness to embrace and overcome the challenges that were put in front of them.”



“I consider myself fortunate to have been heavily involved in sport at a number of levels, ranging from the grass roots through to the elite as a teacher, a participant and a coach, and I remain passionate about the opportunities cricket offers, especially to women and girls. “



“The success of the WBBL Heat team will only amplify those opportunities in the future and I wish Queensland Cricket, the Fire and the Heat every success going forward.”



Queensland Cricket CEO Max Walters thanked McGiffin for his passion and dedication to cricket in Queensland.



“Pete was the calm, clear-thinking coach who worked tirelessly alongside the players to ensure they had every opportunity to meet and exceed their goals,’’ he said.



“We wish him well and look forward to whatever possible opportunities may arise in the future,’’ Walters said.



Queensland Cricket has commenced the process to fill the vacancies in its elite women’s coaching positions, including the WBBL Heat and Queensland Fire.