Senior Tigers to further develop young cubs

TORQUAY’S junior netballers will receive first-hand knowledge of what it takes to become a senior netballer this season as several senior-level Tigers will don coaching hats in 2023.

Newly appointed Tigers president Katherine Taylor confirmed nine senior players will take up junior coaching roles this season to enhance communication between the club’s junior and senior programs.

Under 13s coach Daisy O’Kane (right) and under 15s coach Lauren Berridge conduct drills with their junior netballers.

“The senior netball players of the Torquay Tigers have generously given up their time and expertise to coach the junior netball players this year,” Taylor said.

“This is the first time we have been fortunate enough to have nine senior players form part of the coaching community within the club.

“Through their volunteer efforts, these experienced players will go a long way to develop the skills and confidence of the younger players, building a stronger and more cohesive club for the future.”

Senior players Elisa Hall (A Grade), Meg Davey (C Grade), Sheree Chafer (D Grade), Lauren Berridge (A Grade), Taylor Mitvalsky (A Grade), Elouise Barlow (A Grade), Emma McGuiness (A Grade), Jordy Brown (C Grade) and Daisy O’Kane (A Grade) will lead junior Tigers sides this year.

O’Kane, who grew up as a Torquay netball junior learning under former coach and now-friend Maddy Martin, was eager to take up a head coaching role after spending many years as an assistant.

“I was actually going to coach an under 13 side in the 2020 season, but COVID-19 shut down the possibility of that,” O’Kane said.

“So when the chance to coach arose again I immediately took advantage of that and now I’m coaching our under 13 2s.”

Daisy O’Kane will lead the Under 13 2’s side in 2023. One of nine senior players to lead junior teams this year.

O’Kane said she has grown to love the knowledge-side of netball in recent years and now, a part of the Victorian Netball League’s Geelong Cougars side, feels she has a lot more to give back to the club.

“I want to be that fun type of coach, while still retaining that competitive streak, but it’s important to teach young players that element of accountability, the notion that hard work pays off and being the determined kind of player to want to improve every day,” she added.

“Having the senior players showing what the club culture is all about to the young juniors is extremely good, and who better to foster the development of aspiring players.”