This hard-earned triumph was just the beginning. Looking for ways to re-engage with the world, Alissa began volunteering at her local Little Athletics, where she helped with admin and finish-line results during weekly competitions. Over the next seven years, she dedicated countless hours to the club, eventually becoming a key member of the Committee. Through this work that Alissa rediscovered her sense of community and purpose.

Today, Alissa runs her own squad of 14 race walkers, coaching them weekly and helping them achieve their personal bests, including two young boys who recently qualified for the Australian Track and Field Championships in 2025! She can’t wait to be there to support them through their Nationals journey. 

However, the financial strain of living with MS and having to give up full-time work has made it difficult for Alissa to support her athletes—especially when it comes to interstate competitions. The rising cost of living and her family’s financial commitments has meant that travel to important events like Nationals would be out of reach without the Go for Gold Scholarship.

For Alissa, this scholarship would provide the opportunity to travel to Perth and be there for her athletes during their first Nationals experience. It would also help alleviate the financial burden of coaching-related expenses, allowing Alissa to continue her coaching journey and invest in further education to refine her skills. Recently, she has begun studying for the Level 2 – Athlete Development Coach Accreditation, which would expand her knowledge and benefit not only her athletes but the wider race-walking community.

Alissa says: 

Achieving my dream and supporting my athletes at Nationals would be the culmination of everything I’ve worked towards since my diagnosis. To watch them achieve their goals at the highest level would be the ultimate reward for me as a coach. It would be a dream come true..

With the support of the Go-for-Gold Scholarship, Alissa is determined to continue making a difference—both in the lives of her athletes and in her own, as she works to live her best life despite the challenges of MS.