Herbert to helm the Miners

FORMER Australian Gems under-nineteens coach David Herbert will take the reins of the Ballarat Miners Women’s team for the upcoming NBL1 South season.

Herbert brings a wealth of experience to the role having previously coached in the WNBL with Townsville, Perth and Canberra, in the NBL1 with Geelong and Melbourne and with a role in the high-performance network with Basketball Victoria.

He replaces Miner legend Eric Hayes, who stood down earlier this month after more than 30 years in the Basketball Ballarat system as both a player and coach.

“What an exciting opportunity to join the Ballarat Miners,” Herbert said.

“I am very proud to fill the coaching role after such an amazing club legend Eric Hayes decided to step away.

“I have always admired Eric and hope he continues in some way with a club he has helped build and grow over many years.

“The role is an exciting one for me with the infrastructure that Ballarat has put in place, a new 3000 seat stadium, gymnasium, on site strength and conditioning staff and physiotherapy, along with the vision that CEO Nevile Ivey and the Ballarat Miners board have will see Basketball grow and develop in the region.”

Mr Ivey said Herbert is the perfect candidate to lead the women’s team.

“David’s experience at a national level and as a high-performance coach with Basketball Victoria provides our club with a tremendous level of confidence that he will further develop our program over the next three years,” he said.

As well as coaching the Miners, Herbert is the head of basketball at Western Heights College in Geelong, where helping develop students’ skills and knowledge of the game.