It’s the end of an era: #ThanksWai
October 30, 2015
Waimarama Taumaunu and Laura Langman at NWC2015 © Michael Bradley Photography
Waimarama Taumaunu MBE is a legend of New Zealand Netball.
A decorated playing career that included 68 Test Caps, 30 as captain, she is now about to embark on her final match as Silver Ferns coach – her 53rd.
In a career that has spanned decades as a player, coach and administrator, Taumaunu is a respected voice in sporting circles – not just Netball. And while this may be her final Test at the helm of the Silver Ferns, one thing is for certain – she will not be lost to the game.
“I’m not a particularly emotional person so I don’t imagine that [my final match] is going to play a big role for me, and I certainly won’t be encouraging that it plays a big role for the players,” Taumaunu said.
“My intention has been to continue to build and grow the platform that we started to lay down at the World Cup. That’s my big thing and if I can leave the Silver Ferns in good heart with that platform laid down and looking really optimistic for the future then I’ll be happy.”
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Talking with Taumaunu you get an insight into the passion and dedication that she has for the game and the players that have come under her watchful eye.
“The abiding memories that I will have will be of watching players like Laura (Langman) and Casey (Kopua) develop,” she said.
“I met them when they were 22 or 23 and I look at them now – they’re international ambassadors for the sport – they’re the best players in their respective positions and to think that I’ve played a small part in that I will always take a great deal of pride in.”
The Silver Ferns are in Perth preparing for tonight’s fourth and final Test in the New World Netball Series for the Constellation Cup. A win would see the Silver Ferns level the series at two-all.
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Silver Ferns vice-captain Laura Langman says they are determined to send Wai out with another victory.
“The time and value that Wai has added to our Silver Ferns programme has been huge over the last 4 years,” Langman said.
“We were disappointed we didn’t do the job at world champs so this is an opportunity to give her a fitting send-off and just really enjoy the game that we know she loves and we love as well.”
New Zealand fans can catch all the action from the final Test LIVE on SKY Sport 4 tonight from 11.30pm (NZT).
Prime TV will show delayed coverage of the game on Saturday 31 October from 11.15am (NZT) – following the Rugby World Cup Bronze Medal Match.
A decorated playing career that included 68 Test Caps, 30 as captain, she is now about to embark on her final match as Silver Ferns coach – her 53rd.
In a career that has spanned decades as a player, coach and administrator, Taumaunu is a respected voice in sporting circles – not just Netball. And while this may be her final Test at the helm of the Silver Ferns, one thing is for certain – she will not be lost to the game.
“I’m not a particularly emotional person so I don’t imagine that [my final match] is going to play a big role for me, and I certainly won’t be encouraging that it plays a big role for the players,” Taumaunu said.
“My intention has been to continue to build and grow the platform that we started to lay down at the World Cup. That’s my big thing and if I can leave the Silver Ferns in good heart with that platform laid down and looking really optimistic for the future then I’ll be happy.”
VOTE: SKY Sport Moment of the Year
Talking with Taumaunu you get an insight into the passion and dedication that she has for the game and the players that have come under her watchful eye.
“The abiding memories that I will have will be of watching players like Laura (Langman) and Casey (Kopua) develop,” she said.
“I met them when they were 22 or 23 and I look at them now – they’re international ambassadors for the sport – they’re the best players in their respective positions and to think that I’ve played a small part in that I will always take a great deal of pride in.”
The Silver Ferns are in Perth preparing for tonight’s fourth and final Test in the New World Netball Series for the Constellation Cup. A win would see the Silver Ferns level the series at two-all.
VOTE: Woman’s Day People’s Choice
Silver Ferns vice-captain Laura Langman says they are determined to send Wai out with another victory.
“The time and value that Wai has added to our Silver Ferns programme has been huge over the last 4 years,” Langman said.
“We were disappointed we didn’t do the job at world champs so this is an opportunity to give her a fitting send-off and just really enjoy the game that we know she loves and we love as well.”
New Zealand fans can catch all the action from the final Test LIVE on SKY Sport 4 tonight from 11.30pm (NZT).
Prime TV will show delayed coverage of the game on Saturday 31 October from 11.15am (NZT) – following the Rugby World Cup Bronze Medal Match.