In pursuit of GREATNESS
Backstage at the ASCA Australian Coffee Championships, baristas nervously polished their glassware, some muttered words of encouragement to themselves, and others recited parts of their routine. But most were not alone. Cutting a silent but supportive shadow on the parameters of the competition stage, or offering words of encouragement, were their coaches.
To athletes of all standards and sports, a coach has long been key to preparing and pushing them to reach their potential.
Whether the International Olympic Committee one day defines coffee championships as a sport is another matter entirely, but what was noticeable at this year’s national finals at the Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE) was the fact that the top three performing baristas each had a coach – and not just any mentors, but past World Barista Championship (WBC) winners: 2015 World Barista Champion Sasa Sestic coached 2017 Australian Barista champion Hugh Kelly of Ona Coffee, 2014 World Barista Champion Hidenori Izaki coached runner up Matthew Lewin of Axil Coffee Roasters, and 2013 World Barista Champion Pete Licata coached third place Jade Jennings of Veneziano Coffee Roasters.
Every barista has their own motive for competing, and their own reason for wanting a coach, and for Jade, it came down to one thing: guidance.
“Pete and [his partner] Holly are so knowledgeable not only in specialty coffee, but working with competitors to get the very best out
