The inaugural Capital Darters coaching team has been announced ahead of the 2020 Deakin University Australian Netball League (DUNAL) competition.
The 2020 Capital Darters Coaching Team will be headed by former South African international Bronwyn Bock-Jonathan, with Jessica Whitfort taking on Assistant Coach duties.
Bock-Jonathon forged a successful playing career overseas before settling in Canberra, successfully taking on a number of elite coaching roles in Australia’s capital. Including being the Head Coach of the Canberra Darter’s during the 2008, 2010 and 2011 seasons bring the Darters story full circle.
“I am very excited about coaching the Capital Darters. The rebranding provides Netball ACT (NACT) athletes, coaches and officials with access to an important high-performance pathway,” Bock-Jonathan said.
Bronwyn added:
“I am looking forward to working with the athletes and coaching staff and creating a performance environment that embraces a culture of personal growth, respect and a vivacious spirit!”
“The blend of coaching approaches and personable styles of Christine, Jess and myself will provide the athletes with different ways to achieve their performance goals and unites as the inaugural Capital Darters.”
Sunshine Coast Lightning (SCL) Assistant Coach Christine Voge who has been an integral part in the formulation of the partnership between Netball ACT and the SCL Club said the Darters would benefit from the high calibre coaching appointments.
“Today’s announcement of the new coaching team is wonderful, as we welcome Bronwyn and Jess to the Capital Darters ANL team for 2020,” Voge said.
“Both coaches will bring a professional and dedicated approach to the team, and collectively bring with them a strong history of successfully coaching experienced and emerging netball athletes.
“Bronwyn will return to coaching at ANL level for ACT, while Jess will step into the Assistant Coach position, after her previous experience with the Fury ANL team in Victoria.”
Whitfort, most recently held the position of Apprentice Coach for the 2019 Premiership-winning Victorian Fury side, said she was excited to join the newest ANL franchise.
“I’m thrilled to be involved in the inaugural partnership between Lightning and Netball ACT, to showcase and develop the enormous talent coming through both of these regions.”
Whitfort added:
“I am excited for the challenges and rewards that coaching a multi-state team provides and am looking forward to meeting and working with all the athletes this weekend in Canberra.”
The six Capital Darters players based on the Sunshine Coast will travel to Canberra alongside Voge this weekend for the first of two netball camps, as the ANL side looks towards the 2020 DUANL season.
Netball ACT and Lightning announced the new Capital Darters team as a collaboration between the two organisations, to ensure emerging talent in both pathways could compete in the premier DUANL competition in 2020.
