NETBALL Queensland (NQ) is excited to announce the appointment of Jessica Whitfort as the organisation’s Emerging Athlete Program/Queensland Sapphires head coach.
The newly created role combines the Emerging Athlete Program (EAP) and Queensland Sapphires to concentrate on the specific individual development of NQ categorised athletes.
Whitfort arrives at NQ having worked in pathways programs for Netball Victoria, in competition and operations roles at USC Thunder and Sunshine Coast Lightning and most recently as part of Swimming Australia’s high-performance pathways environment.
“This role is responsible for delivering and guiding athletes in their individual skill development, physical competencies, performance and leadership behaviours, wellbeing education and cultural learnings,” NQ Head of Pathways Roselee Jencke said.
“Jess is looking forward to joining NQ and working with a network of talented coaches, staff and athletes in a collaborative culture in the best sport in the world.
“We are excited to have her in the role developing the finest young netballers in Queensland.”
As part of the role, Whitfort will lead the Queensland Sapphires at this year’s Australian Netball Championships.
“This role feels like something I’ve been working towards for many years, with a strong background working as a pathway coach from grassroots through to emerging elite athletes in club, state and national programs,” Whitfort said.
“I’m excited to develop Queensland athletes to ensure a healthy crop of locally produced talent in the Suncorp Super Netball and Australian Diamonds environments.
“The Sapphires had an excellent campaign in 2022 with several athletes progressing into professional contracts and I am excited about working with the next generation of Queensland’s vibrant talent to keep this momentum going into the future.”
