GREATER Western Sydney star midfielder Alicia Eva has been awarded the AFLCA and Lucky Chicken Eggs coaching pathway scholarship.
The scholarship was created for current AFLW players who wanted to develop their coaching skills.
The 28-year-old Eva is a noted coach, last year leading both the NSW/ACT and Eastern Allies teams at the NAB AFLW under-18 national championships.
This year, she is the Giants NEAFL backline coach, having previously worked with the club's academy side.
As part of the scholarship, Eva will be mentored by current Essendon AFL coach John Worsfold. She will also be involved in the AFLCA "Next Coach" program and attend the AFL Coaches US study tour.
"Alicia was selected from a strong field of nine, which is a feather in her cap, but also a great sign that AFLW players are thinking about a career as a coach," AFLCA CEO Mark Brayshaw said.
"Alicia's application left us in no doubt she's deadly serious about coaching. She has a bright future and we think our coaching pathway scholarship will assist her development greatly."
Eva said the scholarship was a special opportunity.
"Not only is it going to provide me with incredible ways to continue to develop my coaching brain but will also significantly contribute to my off-field development," Eva said.
"I'm looking forward to completing the Next Coach program, attending the US study tour and having someone as experienced as John as my mentor; already, after our first meeting, I'm buzzing.
"This scholarship is such a great initiative by the AFL Coaches Association and so wonderful that Lucky Chicken Eggs have put their support behind it. It means as current AFLW players, we can fast track our development, upskill and build our networks alongside playing, so whenever we are finished, we are stepping into coaching roles in a much better position."