Toowoomba’s Rebecca Stower will live out a life-long goal after being appointed head coach of the Netball Queenland 17-and-under state team.
The ambitious coach will lead Queensland to Hobart to contest at the National Netball Championships from April 19 to 24, against some of the Australia’s best young talent.
Like many of the players that will be in her squad this is the next step in Stower’s high performance journey - which started at the Darling Downs Panthers in the Ruby Series.
“I am looking forward to setting the wheels in motion so we can learn and grow together and challenge each other to produce the best possible results for Queensland,” Stower said.
“I am excited and nervous at the same time to step out of my comfort zone here on the Darling Downs and have already learnt so much so far.
“I am lucky to have some great mentors in Simone Nalatu and Liz White, who have been more than happy to chew the fat with me when I need to talk something out or review the planning side of things.”
It might be Stower’s debut on the national stage as coach, but she has waited patiently for this moment and believes her hard work will allow her to do the best job possible.
There’s no questioning her passion nor her desire to see her team return to Queensland better for the experience on and off the court.
“I have high expectations, and a deep pride and passion for what I do,” the Queensland 17-and-under coach said.
“My strength lies in my ability to form rapport and trust within my group by collaboration, to keep challenging ourselves, and never close the door to what we are truly capable of.
“I am very process driven, focused on building the foundations to produce intelligent players who can continue developing a deep understanding of our game to be able to problem solve and communicate in times of adversity.”
Joining Stower on the coaching bench will be her trusted assistant Amanda Kelly, with the pair having a strong bond and chemistry.
Kelly returns to the Netball Queensland state program and will offer plenty of insight.
“Amanda is an absolutely fantastic human being, who I have had the pleasure of knowing over a number of years through our coaching experiences,” Stower said.
“To have Amanda on our team, not only because she had the 2021 experience, but because of her netball knowledge, honesty and sense of humour will be invaluable.
“Already I can see great mutual respect between herself and the players, which is so important for our success.”
As part of the state program, the squad will have apprentice coach Caitlyn Nevins working with them, which Stower joked as being ‘awkward’ with the former Firebird and Australian Diamond being her apprentice.
Further helping things run smoothly is the appointment of Kim Boland as team manager, a welcomed inclusion by the head coach.
“Don’t let that sweet face (of Caitlyn) deceive you, she is a fierce competitor and I love it,” Stower said.
“With all her experience and knowledge to draw from as an athlete within the Firebirds and Diamonds environment, as well as her professional experience, it will be a fantastic opportunity for our young women coming through.
“And Kim would be the most organised person I know, give her a task and she is like a dog with a bone.
“I am grateful to have Kim by my side for this. She knows me well, knows my strengths and can get me on track with my weaknesses.”
The 17-and-under squad will also be well looked after by RHP Physiotherapy and students from The University of Queensland covering the performance analysis.
The final 16 athletes for the 17-and-under squad will be announced in the coming weeks.
Click below for the full squad lists
17-and-under: https://qld.netball.com.au/2021-17u-queensland-squad
19-and-under: https://qld.netball.com.au/2021-19u-queensland-squad
