Lena Way hadn’t even thought of coaching Romsey Netball Club when she was approached to take on the A-grade side.
A talented netballer who had represented her state and nation in mixed teams, Way has spent the past two years on the sidelines at the Redbacks, watching her husband and football star Ben.
“Ben is on the committee and word got around about my netball background and they asked if I wanted to coach,” Way said last week.
“Taking on the role isn’t something I take lightly. I have a two- and four-year-old and my husband is already playing, but I felt like I could contribute to netball in the area.”
Way has a big job ahead with most of last year’s A-grade side deciding not to return. But she has received one boost with star shooter Hope Evans staying on. Evans was originally going to line up for Ballarat Netball League side, the Sunbury Lions.
“I have a lot of question marks still and, hopefully, can convince a few people to come across,” Way said.
“We’re still recruiting and looking for talented A-grade players who are unsigned. Hope is our main goal shooter, and I know she pained herself on the decision for weeks. Her family is here and she wants to give back to the club. To have her still playing is fantastic.”
Way says she’s not planning on playing too much herself.
“I wasn’t intending on playing again after having children and hurting my back.
“I started playing at Romsey Stadium and have played there the last couple of years. It was a nice way to get back into it after thinking I couldn’t play.
“Hopefully, I’ll be on the sidelines [at Romsey]; I prefer to coach from there. But I might play enough games to qualify for finals, just in case.”
Way, who hasn’t coached at senior level previously, says she’s hoping to help the club move forward so her daughter can eventually play for it.
As well as coaching, she will run development clinics.
“The president and committee want a sense of loyalty and players wanting to be involved at functions … I want them to see how close the club is.”
Want to play for The Redbacks? Contact secretaryrfnc@gmail.com
