CASES Fellow Spotlight: Dr Jane Lomax

CASES introduces Dr Jane Lomax CSci FCASES, the first in our 'Spotlight Series' that will highlight the expertise, experience and insight of our Fellows.

Championing Coaches, Community and the Evolving Landscape of Sport

From the south coast shores of Felpham to international netball coaching and 30 years of academic leadership, Dr Jane Lomax’s career is defined by dedication to people: athletes, students, and especially coaches. 

Recently recognised as a Fellow of CASES, Chartered Scientist Jane describes the honour as both an achievement and a responsibility, “It means a chance to put back into an organisation that I have drawn support from, but also a recognition of 30 years’ work in the business.”

For Jane, CASES has always been the professional home that reinforced her standards. 

“The accreditation process has always ensured standards are upheld… and has provided not just a source of confidence but also a sense of belonging.”

A career rooted in applied impact

Jane’s background in sport psychology and education led her naturally toward coach development, an area she continues to champion passionately.

Her proudest career moments reflect both academic achievement and meaningful human impact:

• “Finally getting my doctorate completed!”
• Supporting athletes who achieved their goals “at the very top level.”
• Seeing students grow during their university journeys.
• Presenting at national events and publishing her first book chapter, “the first is always special.”
• Being a finalist at the UK Coaching Awards.
• Attending a Buckingham Palace garden party in recognition of her volunteer work “being truly humbled by what brought others to this event.”

These experiences shaped her identity as both a practitioner and educator who understands the importance of connecting theory with lived practice.

Navigating challenges with determination

Like many women in sport science, Jane has navigated the complexities of working in male‑dominated environments. “I have lived through those eras of change and often had to fight my corner,” she reflects.

Balancing motherhood with university lecturing also brought challenges particularly at a time when pathways for research and doctoral study were less accessible. But she persisted, eventually completing her doctorate later in her career. “My profile is somewhat different to many of my esteemed colleagues,” she notes yet that difference is exactly what has shaped her empathetic, grounded approach.

Supporting  coaches, supporting the profession

Jane believes strongly in the need for CASES and sport science more broadly to evolve alongside the sector. She highlights the importance of supporting “not just participants and performers, but the team behind them,” especially coaches, whose development is often overlooked. 

Her expertise in coach education and global coaching systems continues to influence her consultancy and leadership roles, including as Head Coach for Isle of Man Netball and Head of Performance and Elite Competition with the England Men’s and Mixed Netball Association (EMMNA). 

Advice for early‑career professionals

Jane offers a balanced message:

• Prioritise doctoral study early if possible.
• But equally, “give the applied environment respect.”
• Develop both academic and practitioner skillsets.
• Recognise the value in collaboration between theorists and practitioners.

Closing Reflection

Dr Jane Lomax’s story celebrates perseverance, contribution, and the power of nurturing others. Whether mentoring coaches, lecturing students, or shaping national netball programmes, her work captures the spirit of what CASES Fellowship stands for: excellence, community, and a commitment to progression.