30 Jan 2008

18 December 2007

McKinnis re-appointed coach of AIS netball program

Former legendary Australian wing defence, Simone McKinnis will continue to pass on her expertise and develop the country’s best young athletes after being re-appointed as coach of the Australian Institute of Sport netball program until 2009. 

McKinnis will also coach the Australian 21/U Team as part of the re-structured role.

Netball Australia President, Noeleen Dix considers the re-structure as an important step for the AIS netball program to play a key role in Australia’s preparations for the 2009 Netball World Youth Cup in the Cook Islands.

“The structure is now in place to prepare our emerging high performance athletes to meet the challenges of international competition and this is an important phase in developing these players who are Australia’s future,” Dix said.

Australia’s 21/U Team boasts a world-class line-up and McKinnis says she is really looking forward to working with the emerging talent.

“The depth of talent we have to work with at the moment is very exciting and we have a big 18 months ahead of us to prepare for the World Youth Cup, so this is a challenge I am looking forward to greatly,” McKinnis said.

With an intimate knowledge of Australia’s elite netball pathways, McKinnis is well qualified for the position.

“We are thrilled to have Simone re-appointed in this role until 2009,” Dix said. “As a player, her achievements in 67 tests for Australia speak for themselves and since turning her hand to coaching prior to the AIS, she has spent two years as assistant coach of Melbourne Phoenix and three years as head coach of the Singapore Sports School Netball Academy.”

AIS Director Professor Peter Fricker said the re-appointment of McKinnis was a major boost to the Institute’s world class netball program.

‘Simone is a quality coach who brings a range of new concepts and a fresh approach to our netball program,’ Professor Fricker said.

‘She has an intimate knowledge of Australia’s elite netball pathways and is well placed to guide Australia’s talented young athletes in their quest for excellence.’

‘Simone’s re-appointment continues the co-operative arrangement between the AIS and Netball Australia, which sees the AIS as Netball Australia’s national training centre.’

McKinnis replaces Lisa Alexander as Australian 21/U coach, who has been at the helm for the past two years.  Alexander will be on the Adelaide Thunderbirds coaching staff for next year’s ANZ Championship working alongside head coach, Jane Woodlands.  Dix paid tribute to Alexander’s contribution in developing emerging national talent, particularly the players who have been progressed to the Australian Open Squad.

“We thank Lisa for her contribution to this program and the achievements of the Australian 21/U team many of whom have already come through the program to represent our county at the highest level,” Dix said.

AIS assistant coach, Maria Lynch has also been re-appointed until 2009.

Former Australian shooter and current Australian Open assistant coach, Nicole Cusack was appointed by the AIS to the role of scholarship coach after being nominated by Netball Australia. Cusack will work across the AIS and as national team programs.

Media Contact: David Packwood AIS Media Officer Tel: 02 62141476 / 0408 417894