My coach developer journey began as early as nine or ten years old, when I first discovered my love for sport and competition. I was naturally athletic for a young kid — tall for my age, with big hands and feet that seemed built for sport. I could run fast, jump high, and catch just about any ball thrown my way.
Because I was a natural, I became competent, and that competence gave me confidence. That confidence fuelled my motivation, and suddenly sport became so much more than just a game. It gave me connection, leadership, and communication skills. It taught me resilience, strengthened my mental and physical wellbeing, and gave me a place where I felt safe, happy, and free. I loved every moment of it.
Fast forward to my early thirties: I was a mum with three little humans running around, my husband had just started a building business, we’d bought our second home, and we’d moved to the beautiful village of Clarks Beach. But despite all that, I was bored. My accounting role paid well, but I wasn’t happy. I asked myself, what gets me excited? What gets me bouncing out of bed? The answer was obvious — sport.
So, I made a bold move. I applied to study a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Physiology and Sport, at Auckland University. It was a huge leap — there were only 50 students accepted in that intake, mostly elite athletes or top academic achievers who had scored 99% in school PE. And then there was me — definitely not elite, definitely not academic. But somehow, by what still feels like a miracle, I was accepted.
Those four years were some of the hardest and most rewarding of my life — juggling full-time study, three children, a household, and supporting our family business. But I did it.
When I graduated, I applied for a Coach Developer role with Netball New Zealand… and didn’t get it. Over the next 15 years, I think I applied for that role eight times. Eventually, they must have got tired of saying no, because I finally got the job!
In the meantime, I didn’t sit still. I completed every NNZ coaching module and workshop I could find. I applied for regional coaching roles and was lucky enough to be selected. I put myself forward for apprentice coaching roles and was given opportunities I’ll be forever grateful for. I became assistant coach for the U19s, apprentice coach for the NNZ U21s, and apprentice coach for the Lion Foundation team. I coached Counties Manukau U17s, U19s, U21s, and Lion Foundation teams. I even got to be the assistant coach for the Auckland Diamonds.
It’s been an amazing journey.
Today, I get to work alongside incredible coaches and coach developers who inspire me daily. I worked incredibly hard to get here. I faced knockbacks, rejections, and closed doors — but I never gave up on my dream.
Would I do it all over again? In a heartbeat. This journey has been rewarding beyond words, and every single day I keep learning a little bit more about myself.
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