Rob Wright spent last week where he's most at home, courtside. But this Upper North Island Secondary Schools Tournament (UNISS) carried a little extra weight as Rob prepares to finish up at Netball Northern and cross the Tasman for an Assistant Coach role with the Queensland Firebirds.
Fitting, then, that with one chapter closing, Rob spent the week watching the next generation of players and coaches write theirs.
"What stood out to me was the enthusiasm and support the coaches gave across the week," Rob says. "Coaching at UNISS is going to have moments of challenge as well as some highs. I was so impressed with how well the coaches managed the week and kept their players playing hard and enjoying their netball."
Rob is quick to point out there's no single formula for good coaching. "There's no right or wrong way to do things as a coach. It's what works best for you and the group of players you're working with. What I thought was great across the week was how many coaches were so supportive and positive after games, even when the result didn't go their way."
If he could leave secondary school coaches with one piece of advice, it's this: chase the small wins.
"Not every team can win, and some may not win any games. But no matter how many points you end up with, you can make a difference every time your players take the court. Find a way to get small wins every game."
For Rob, tournaments like UNISS are as much a development ground for coaches and umpires as they are for players. "Across the week you come across so many experiences, both tough and positive, that allow you to try different strategies. Trial and error can be very useful in working out what works and what doesn't."
Rob leaves Netball Northern having been part of something special. As Assistant Coach of the Northern Mystics, he helped shape the most successful team of the ANZ Premiership era.
"What I'm proud of is being part of an amazing group of coaches, staff and players," he says. "And what I've learnt most across my time with the Mystics is the importance of valuing your people. Without the people, you have nothing."
That belief stretched well beyond high performance. Alongside his Mystics role, Rob supported community coaching workshops across the zone, and it's the grassroots coaches who left a mark on him.
"What I've taken from the community workshops is their enthusiasm to keep growing and learning. I keep thinking, for every coach who goes away having learnt something new, we're probably improving 20 or 30 players. If coaches leave thinking the course was worthwhile, I feel like I've achieved something."
As he packs his bags for Queensland, Rob's farewell to the Northern netball community is simple.
"Never stop learning and seeking help. There is so much knowledge and passion out there. If in doubt, find it out."
Haere rā, Rob. The whole Northern netball community will be cheering you on from across the ditch.
