Southby: “huge sense of responsibility”
Announced as the new Silver Ferns coach on Wednesday morning, the Dunedin-based mother of two is looking forward to the opportunity to “take a breath and enjoy the moment” with her family.
“It is pretty special but it hasn’t sunk in yet,” Southby said. “My parents are really excited. They can take a lot of credit for where I am today, with the grounding and upbringing that we had as kids.”
Southby becomes the tenth coach to guide the Silver Ferns since 1938. Coaches that have helped shape the way the game is played today; names like Dame Lois Muir, Taini Jamison, Ruth Aitken – the list goes on – all have left their mark on the sport.
“I have a huge amount of respect for the coaches that have gone before me,” she said.
“I feel this huge sense of responsibility to be the best person I can be for this role.
“My aim is to grow the Silver Ferns from what has been achieved over the last six months and forge them into the best they can be to win consistently on the world stage.”
A graduate of High Performance Sport New Zealand’s Coach Accelerator Programme, Southby credits the work she has done with mentor Renzie Hanham, particularly over the last year, as integral to her growth and development.
Southby won’t officially start in the role until December 1, 2015, but already she’s rolling up her sleeves and immersing herself in the programme and the challenges that lie ahead.
“The challenges are going to be many and varied. My experience tells me that one challenge is never going to be the same in any campaign and it will always be different,” Southby said.
“The biggest challenge will be getting to know the people and doing that as quickly as I possibly can and laying out the plan for the next four years.
“To coach the Silver Ferns is an honour. To represent your country - nothing compares to that - so it’s a huge privilege for me. But as I’ve said it’s a big responsibility and I certainly take that seriously.”
Netball New Zealand will name a group of Silver Ferns triallists next week, to attend a camp in Auckland from December 7-11, 2015. From this camp, the 2016 Silver Ferns Squad will be selected.