Rachael Gibbons' outstanding contribution to netball was recognised when she was presented with a Service Award  at the Netball Taranaki AGM on March 20th.

Rachael has been involved as a coach of Year 7 and 8 teams for 18 years and was a representative coach for 13 years. Rachael has also coached some high-school teams and a Premier 1 team for a season.

One of the things Rachael appreciates most about of junior development is watching the players develop their skills and advance in the game, all the way up to the Silver Ferns ranks. A willingness to learn new skills is another highlight of coaching the year 7 and year 8 age groups. "They have a great attitude and want to learn and better themselves" Rachael says. 

Upon receiving the award, Rachael felt honoured that her service to netball was recognised by Netball Taranaki and those who nominated her. "I feel grateful for all of the experiences and events I have been involved with for netball in the region.  I am looking forward to continuing my service to Netball through the coaching I will continue to do -  with the students at my school and helping out where I can".

Last season, we asked Rachael a few questions about her wealth of experience gained from 18 years of coaching. Rachael's advice for anyone interested in getting into coaching is to set a vision and to be clear about what you want success to look like. She also says that having some good mentors and people to talk to for ideas and advice is important.

Netball Taranaki thanks Rachael for the huge contribution she has made to netball by giving so many of our talented young players great experiences early in their netball playing days. 

Article added: Tuesday 26 March 2019