By Tara Murray
Kennedy Kereama has stood down as the Sunbury Jets’ Big V women’s state championship coach.
The Jets announced on Friday night, that Kereama had decided to step down after four years in charge.
In Kereama’s time at the Jets, they’ve gone from a struggling team in division 1 to a powerhouse in state championship division.
The Jets have claimed a division 1 title and two state championship titles in that time.
Kereama said there were a few different factors behind his decision.
“When I took on the role at the club, the attraction was the coaching director role,” he said.
“One way to show what it looks like, is to do it at the coal face and I’ve had some favourable results.
“I was freshly out of the WNBL and I was considering taking some time off [coaching]. I’ve gone back-to-back between WNBL, international duties and state league since then.
“I’m mentally fatigued and want to freshen up.”
Kereama said the three championships were highlights, with the friendships and relationships formed something he would remember.
He said the overall development of the program in the last four years was something he was proud of.
“I’ve built a program and I’m happy with where it is,” he said.
“People want to come back and play for a fantastic program.
“Not a lot of people recognise I had some tough seasons in the WNBL, where I wasn’t as well supported.
“The board has supported the vision I had.”
While not coaching the women’s side, Kereama will still remain at the club as its director of coaching.
He’ll be involved with both the junior and Big V programs.
He said he wanted to continue pushing what he has been pushing the last four years.
“The club has some big aspirations and I want to be a driving force,” he said.
“We want to be a major competitor and a destination on the west side.
“People are coming to play here and juniors are coming back to the club.
“What we are doing at Sunbury is just as good as other clubs around the area. I’m looking forward to taking on a different role and continue to make it a positive environment.”
Kereama said he hadn’t ruled out coaching again in the future.
The Jets have already started advertising for a women’s coach for next season.
For more details: ow.ly/uSeq50vSZel
