EXCITIFIED. It is a word invented by a former boss of new Pioneers coach Peter Godfrey and it perfectly sums up his feelings towards stepping into former coach Richard Hill\u2019s shoes.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt means excited and terrified and that is how I feel,\u201d Godfrey said, \u201cI am more than well aware of the legacy that Richard leaves and I am very respectful of that. If I can emulate that I will be exceptionally happy.\u201d<\/p>\n
While Hill\u2019s resume is impressive and his results at the Castec Rural Supplies Pioneers have been exceptional, Godfrey is no slouch, having made his mark over a more than two decade period in the SEABL and NBL1 as well as elite school programs and talent pathway programs.<\/p>\n
Most recently, Godfrey, who has signed a three year deal with the Pioneers, served as Associate Head Coach of the Waverley Falcons (NBL1 South 2025), while also leading top-tier school programs as Head Coach of Ivanhoe Grammar First Boys (AGSV) and Head Coach of Wesley College First Boys (APS).<\/p>\n
Hie tenure with the Kilsyth Cobras is arguably his most celebrated role thus far \u2013 he was part of the program as an assistant from 2006-2013 and returned as head coach from 2020-2024.<\/p>\n
That stint included being named NBL1 South Coach of the Year in 2022.<\/p>\n
To take on the Mount Gambier program was an opportunity too good to pass up and Godfrey is eager to take up the challenge.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is just a great opportunity in a great organisation and opportunities like this don\u2019t come along very often,\u201d Godfrey said. \u201cMy initial challenge will be putting a roster together and making sure we are competitive and part of the back end of the season.\u201d<\/p>\n
Godfrey is looking to run some pre-Christmas sessions before really ramping up pre-season in the new year with a strong six week window starting around mid-February to really finetune for the 2026 NBL1 South season.<\/p>\n
Pioneers President Tom Kosch said Godfrey\u2019s appointment marks an exciting new era for the club.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeter\u2019s appointment is a reflection of the success and experience he\u2019s had as a Head Coach in the NBL1 South,\u201d Kosch said. \u201cHe\u2019s got the runs on the board, and we\u2019re proud to announce him as the 11th coach to lead our men\u2019s program.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re excited to welcome Peter to Mount Gambier and the Pioneers. His values align with ours and he is looking forward to connecting with our community and continuing the Pioneer Passion\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a club, we enter a new and exciting chapter for the Pioneers as we continue to drive Mount Gambier forward as a destination for aspiring athletes and their development within the NBL1 South.”<\/p>\n