The 2022 Victorian state coaches for next year’s National Netball Championships have been selected with a couple of new faces joining the fray.
Wendy Jacobsen has been named head coach of the 19/U, with Lauren Nardelli as assistant, while Tracey Brereton will coach the 17/U team with Jade Heinrich as assistant.
Lauren Nardelli is one of those fresh faces entrusted with the assistant coach position for the 19/U side.
Having been a part of the pathway for many years, coaching the state team has always been a goal for Lauren.
“I was overwhelmed and am so happy. I’ve had a few cracks at applying for a state job over the years and haven’t been successful. I’m really grateful to be given this opportunity.”
Nardelli has spent time in all facets of the game both as a former player and an umpire. During her umpiring career she officiated the then Australian Netball League (ANL) now known as the Australian Netball Championships. However, motherhood swayed her in another direction.
“I was an A-grade umpire but then I had kids and that’s when I got into coaching. I really knuckled down and have been working hard - I want to see how far I can take it within the pathway.”
With an innate love for the game and a wealth of knowledge surrounding the sport it was a no brainer for Nardelli who wanted to continue her involvement in the sport and instill that love in the next generation of players.
“Definitely working with the athletes and getting the best out of them and making them the best they can be on and off the court.”
Although it was not all smooth sailing for Nardelli, she highlighted the importance of never giving up and commitment on her coaching craft to ensure she put herself in the best possible situation.
“You can get knocked down, but you can’t take those knocks. You can’t give up those learning opportunities.
“I’m very big on a growth mindset. When I didn’t get the job, I looked at myself, I looked at areas of growth that I needed to work on, and I went out there and changed a few things.”
When it comes to her coaching style, Nardelli adopts more of a personable approach ensuring she can connect with the athletes and keep them engaged.
“I’m very good at building great rapport with the athletes and I get to know them and understand what makes them tick, their goals and helping them achieve them. I feel that through communication and building great relationships with them is how I connect with them.
“I’m hoping to pass on my knowledge that I have gained over the past few years being involved in netball. In Victoria, we have great athletes and really bring these athletes together to form a great team.”
Nardelli will team up with Wendy Jacobsen who is the head coach while Tracey Bereton and Jade Heinrich will take the reins for the 17/U team.
