Former National League Player and current UTS Sparks Co-Coach Ali Tucker-Munro will lead the GIANTS Netball Academy as part of a new-look setup for the program.
The former Assistant Coach of the Academy will step up to the top job following the departure of inaugural GIANT Bec Bulley, who has moved across to the Swifts.
Tucker-Munro is no stranger to the elite environment, having played over 100 games for the Hunter Jaegers and Sydney Sandpipers, as well as representing Australia at the Netball World Youth Cup. She was also a member of the Australian Diamonds Squad in 2002.
The mum of four boys will be kept busy this season, with Tucker-Munro also part of the coaching panel for the Netball NSW State Under-19s side.
The proud Kamilaroi woman said she is delighted to be given the opportunity to lead the group.
“Last year was my first foray into the GIANTS family and I really got to see first-hand the club’s commitment, passion and dedication to support and navigate our young athletes through what was a challenging netball year,” Tucker-Munro said.
“To now be given the opportunity to drive and influence the program as Head Coach is exciting, but humbling as well.
“Being entrusted to nurture our next generation of young GIANTS netballers is a role I do not take lightly.”
The GIANTS Netball Academy is in place to help shape and develop young netballers in a similar environment to that of Super Netball to ensure an easy transition when the opportunity arises.
“The Academy plays a pivotal role in shaping our talented players – taking them from netballers to elite athletes,” Tucker-Munro said.
“Our goals are based on building their netball IQ, both in terms or skills and tactics; but also preparing them mentally to navigate and respond to challenges they’ll face breaking into the elite level.
“The program this year will be based on exposing our players to a range of sessions that will prepare them to become a 360 degree players.”
In the new Academy coaching structure and set-up, Tucker-Munro will be supported by current GIANTS players Jo Harten and Sam Poolman, with the pair taking on specialist coaching positions.
“Having Sam and Jo involved in the program is fantastic,” Tucker-Munro said.
“Exposing the Academy players to GIANTS stalwarts will be invaluable to their overall development.
“Sam and Jo’s ability as players to deliver first-hand experience of the standards, skills and intensity required for those players striving to take the jump to the next level.”
In 2021, the former Australian Netball League will be replaced with a new-look competition called the Australian Netball Championships.
The competition is currently scheduled to take place later in the year, following the conclusion of the 2021 Suncorp Super Netball season.
