Age: 41
Club/Association: Blazers Netball Club – Success Association
Role (& accreditation): Development Coach
Give us a snap shot of what your coaching role(s) consists of:
- Blazers Club Coach
- Apprentice Coach Metro League Under 16
- Mac Coach for Under 12
- Blazers Club Coach Coordinator and Mentor
Why did you start coaching?
I started coaching because I absolutely love the game. When I joined Blazers Netball Club, I finally felt like I was part of something amazing. Margaret Lee made it feel like a family. From that moment I knew I wanted to share all my skills and knowledge to help grow the club. I wanted the players to know I could help them with their skills, personal growth and be part of something special, a TEAM.
What do you love most about coaching?
Coaching has to be one of the best experiences ever, it really does make me happy. I have grown so much as a coach. Not only have I learnt to listen, understand and have patience, I have been able to teach this to others, from Netters through to seniors. Helping people understand the game, how to play and teamwork gives them skills on the court and can also help in their personal lives. When little kids come to netball week in and week out, with massive smiles ready to learn and put into place what you teach them, that’s when you know you’re on the right track.
How has being a coach benefitted you?
Coaching has benefitted me in a huge way, I owe a lot to Blazers and the Success Assoc. I now have the knowledge and understanding that all players, parents and coaches are not the same and they all have different needs. Listening to them and helping them through situations, will help them grow and also give them a better understanding in netball. This also helps me deal with life situations both personally and professionally. Even as a coach I’m am still learning and I just hope that I can pay it forward to any future coaches that join our Association.
What piece of coaching advice would you like to pass on?
If someone is willing to teach more skills (even if you think you have learnt it all) take it with both hands and absorb it all in. Learning all the time is the way to try be the best coach you can be. Have more than one mentor, I have at least 3 and they are always teaching me new things in different ways. Love your club, they are like your second family. Your players are so important have their backs and they will always trust you. If you believe in them, they will believe in you. Most of all they will believe in themselves. Let your team know you are always there if they want to talk about anything netball or personal. Making mistakes is ok, we all make them, learn from them and grow. Share your skills with other coaches. Most of all remember why we are playing netball, to have fun, make long lasting memories and friendships.
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