Team behind the team – Esther Molloy
July 19, 2015
Whenever the Silver Ferns step on court, there is a group of highly experienced professionals who support them every step of the way.
These people are the team behind the team.
In the lead-up to Netball World Cup SYDNEY 2015, silverferns.co.nz will provide fans with an insight into this hardworking team of professionals – roles that range from nutritionists, to strength and conditioning coaches, right through to high performance management.
Today we caught up with Silver Ferns Team Manager, Esther Molloy
SF: How would you describe your role?
Esther: Netball World Cup SYDNEY 2015 (NWC2015) is the final pinnacle event in a four year campaign which started back in 2012. Operationally however, preparation for NWC2015 started last year and there isn’t a week that goes by where I don’t work on one aspect of the teams’ campaign. I have been involved in three Netball World Cups, the first purely in an administrative role and then in 2011 in Singapore as Team Manager, so I refer back to my experiences in previous campaigns to ensure this year’s campaign runs smoothly.
SF: How did you come to be the Silver Ferns Team Manager?
Esther: My first role at Netball New Zealand was the National Squads Coordinator where I was responsible for logistics for each of the National Squads including the Silver Ferns. In 2005 with the changing landscape of High Performance Netball and the Silver Ferns requirements, the role changed to just looking after the Silver Ferns. Then in 2008/2009 the role changed to include the on-tour manager and the Silver Ferns Team Manager role was created.
SF: What’s it like standing on court before a Test Match singing the national anthem?
Esther: It is both exciting and nerve wracking as it’s the final moment before the game starts. No matter what game or who the opposition is it’s always a moment where I feel very proud to be a New Zealander and really privileged and honoured to stand alongside such an amazing group of women.
SF: What do you remember of the 2011 Netball World Championships in Singapore?
Esther: One thing that I will always remember from Singapore is the outstanding support we received from New Zealanders at the tournament. The chants they created, the amazing costumes and the volume of support they managed to generate was unbelievable, you couldn’t hear yourself talk! It was AMAZING.
SF: How important is the support of fans to the team, particularly at a World Cup?
Esther: The Silver Ferns are extremely lucky to receive such amazing support from passionate Kiwi fans in each and every city we play matches. Playing at NWC2015 will be a new challenge as the stadium is huge, and the majority of the crowd will be Aussie supporters. We are really fortunate this year a number of our passionate fans are making the trip over to Sydney to support us through each game at Allphones Arena, and we can’t wait to see our fans dressed in black and cheering loudly!
Fans have the opportunity to support the Silver Ferns on the road to NWC2015 with the New World Netball Series for the Taini Jamison Trophy later this month, when they face Fiji and South Africa.
A special presentation to the team will take place at the conclusion of the final Test Match against the SPAR Proteas on Tuesday 28 July at The Trusts Arena, Auckland. Make sure you secure your seat to farewell the Silver Ferns!
Want exclusive content, great deals and special offers, plus a members-only e-newsletter? Join the team and become a SilverFan today!
These people are the team behind the team.
In the lead-up to Netball World Cup SYDNEY 2015, silverferns.co.nz will provide fans with an insight into this hardworking team of professionals – roles that range from nutritionists, to strength and conditioning coaches, right through to high performance management.
Today we caught up with Silver Ferns Team Manager, Esther Molloy
SF: How would you describe your role?
Esther: Netball World Cup SYDNEY 2015 (NWC2015) is the final pinnacle event in a four year campaign which started back in 2012. Operationally however, preparation for NWC2015 started last year and there isn’t a week that goes by where I don’t work on one aspect of the teams’ campaign. I have been involved in three Netball World Cups, the first purely in an administrative role and then in 2011 in Singapore as Team Manager, so I refer back to my experiences in previous campaigns to ensure this year’s campaign runs smoothly.
SF: How did you come to be the Silver Ferns Team Manager?
Esther: My first role at Netball New Zealand was the National Squads Coordinator where I was responsible for logistics for each of the National Squads including the Silver Ferns. In 2005 with the changing landscape of High Performance Netball and the Silver Ferns requirements, the role changed to just looking after the Silver Ferns. Then in 2008/2009 the role changed to include the on-tour manager and the Silver Ferns Team Manager role was created.
SF: What’s it like standing on court before a Test Match singing the national anthem?
Esther: It is both exciting and nerve wracking as it’s the final moment before the game starts. No matter what game or who the opposition is it’s always a moment where I feel very proud to be a New Zealander and really privileged and honoured to stand alongside such an amazing group of women.
SF: What do you remember of the 2011 Netball World Championships in Singapore?
Esther: One thing that I will always remember from Singapore is the outstanding support we received from New Zealanders at the tournament. The chants they created, the amazing costumes and the volume of support they managed to generate was unbelievable, you couldn’t hear yourself talk! It was AMAZING.
SF: How important is the support of fans to the team, particularly at a World Cup?
Esther: The Silver Ferns are extremely lucky to receive such amazing support from passionate Kiwi fans in each and every city we play matches. Playing at NWC2015 will be a new challenge as the stadium is huge, and the majority of the crowd will be Aussie supporters. We are really fortunate this year a number of our passionate fans are making the trip over to Sydney to support us through each game at Allphones Arena, and we can’t wait to see our fans dressed in black and cheering loudly!
Fans have the opportunity to support the Silver Ferns on the road to NWC2015 with the New World Netball Series for the Taini Jamison Trophy later this month, when they face Fiji and South Africa.
A special presentation to the team will take place at the conclusion of the final Test Match against the SPAR Proteas on Tuesday 28 July at The Trusts Arena, Auckland. Make sure you secure your seat to farewell the Silver Ferns!
Want exclusive content, great deals and special offers, plus a members-only e-newsletter? Join the team and become a SilverFan today!