Queensland Stars appointed to mentor next generation of Team QLD
Bowls Queensland is proud to announce Kelsey Cottrell and Matt Lucas as Mentor Coaches for the Queensland Under-18 Team ahead of the 2026 Australian Under-18 Championships in Perth this October.
The appointments are another step in Bowls Queensland’s continued investment in its junior and high-performance pathways, giving Queensland’s emerging players the opportunity to learn directly from two athletes who understand what it takes to compete at the highest level.
Bowls Queensland CEO Fletcher Dyson said having Cottrell and Lucas involved with the team was an exciting opportunity for Queensland’s next generation.
“Having two athletes of this calibre investing their time, knowledge and experience into our next generation is a fantastic opportunity for Queensland bowls,” Dyson said.
“Matt and Kelsey understand what it means to represent Queensland, they understand high-performance environments and they know what is required to compete successfully at state, national and international level.”
Lucas is one of Queensland’s leading male players, a multiple Queensland State Championship winner and a former Australian Jackaroo. Most recently, he claimed his maiden Queensland Men’s State Singles title in 2026.
Cottrell is one of the most decorated Australian bowlers of her generation. A long-time Australian Jackaroo, World Champion and Commonwealth Games gold medallist, she has spent almost two decades competing at the highest level. Just recently, Cottrell secured her fourth Australian Indoor Championships crown, including an incredible three consecutive titles.
Dyson said their value as Mentor Coaches would extend well beyond their achievements on the green.
“This isn’t simply about teaching our juniors how to play a better bowl. It is about giving them access to people who have experienced pressure, expectation, success and disappointment, and understand what is required to continue developing as an athlete.
“We want our juniors to learn from their experiences and see first-hand where dedication to the sport can take them.”
These Mentor Coach appointments continue Bowls Queensland’s focus on creating stronger connections between junior development, state representation and the high-performance pathway.
“We want young Queensland bowlers to dream big and genuinely believe there is a pathway available to them,” Dyson said.
“When they pull on the maroon, we want them to understand they are part of something bigger than one tournament or one team.
“Our goal is to create an environment where they can develop as players and people, enjoy representing their state and aspire to become the next generation of Queensland and Australian representatives.”
Cottrell and Lucas will accompany and assist the Queensland Under-18 Team in Perth, providing guidance, support and mentorship as Queensland’s leading juniors take on the best young bowlers from across Australia.
“Our athletes have earned the right to represent Queensland and we want them to embrace that opportunity, compete with confidence and enjoy the experience,” Dyson said.
“We are incredibly proud of the team heading to Perth and, with Matt and Kelsey alongside them, we know they will have two outstanding role models supporting them every step of the way.”
TEAM QLD | Stronger Together.
