Experienced Australian coach Julie Hoornweg has been appointed to lead the new Auckland-based team in the inaugural ANZ Netball Elite League beginning next year.
Julie Hoornweg will coach the new Auckland-based franchise in the ANZ Netball Elite League. Photo: Photosport
She is the second Australian coach in two days to be confirmed in the country's new domestic league after the Mainland Tactix re-signed Sue Hawkins for another two years.
With New Zealand and Australia going their own ways from next year, New Zealand's domestic competition will expand from five to six teams.
It is unclear yet whether another Australian, the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic coach, Julie Fitzgerald, will stay on next year.
Hoornweg joins the new Auckland side with a lot of international experience.
The successful coach of the Melbourne Vixens in the formative years of the ANZ Championship, Hoornweg has also coached the national sides of England and Fiji, and helped to shape the game in Singapore.
"We are delighted that one of netball's most respected and knowledgeable coaches will join the team here in Auckland," Board Chair of the team, Bill Francis said.
"We know Julie will make a significant contribution to the development of our elite athletes and our coaching programmes."
In 2008, she led the Melbourne Vixens team into the new era of trans-Tasman netball rivalry - winning the title in the league's second year.
"Having started the Vixens from scratch, I'm really looking forward to the opportunity to help create a new, vibrant team in Auckland," Hoornweg said.
"I'm passionate about developing young athletes and extending experienced players, and it's an exciting prospect to be part of building a new netball league from the outset."
Hoornweg also understands what is needed to bring the best out of teams with different international styles.
"I'm really looking forward to coaching the New Zealand style of netball and blending that with my current skill set.
"Sustainable success is a priority for this new team through building a winning culture. Establishing pathways for the community to aspire to and passing on our skills and abilities will ensure the growth and development of netball."
In 2014 she was appointed to the eight-person International Coaching Advisory Panel which advises the INF Board on all aspects of coaching.
