Three of South Australia’s top netball coaches have been recognized for their contributions to their communities, chosen as finalists for the 2022 Coach of the Year Award (Community).
Fiona Bussenschutt from the Paskeville Netball Club, Lyn Stacey from the Heathfield Netball Club, and Mathew Hatchard from the Eastern Park Demons Netball Club are the three finalists for the award, which will be presented at the Netball SA Awards Gala next month.
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Bussenschutt was nominated for her endless list of achievements in the coaching space at Paskeville Netball Club, where she has made an impact across many age groups.
Her nomination referred to the endless work she puts in for her club and association across not only coaching, but mentoring, recruiting, and umpiring.
The former Adelaide Thunderbird coached and played in Paskeville’s A Grade side in 2022 and led her Association at the Country Championships in June.
A highly valued coach across her club and association, Bussenschutt has been acknowledged for the standards she sets for training and performance at the club, as well as her work to strengthen the connection between local netball and football clubs through her strong leadership.
As a former Academy Head Coach, she ensures players are provided with expert coaching from a variety of specialists and takes a considered approach to each individuals needs to create an inclusive environment for all.
Highlighted amongst her long list of credentials:
- Team coach and support of coaches and players across club
- Association coach for senior and junior teams, working closely with the coordinator to provide opportunity for senior players at a higher level, and access to a development pathway for juniors
- Academy Head Coach (2 years) – supported other coaches and players, improved team and individual results
- Supports Association initiatives to provide higher level coaching and playing opportunities for athletes
- 1:1 coaching and mentoring for players, leading to improved performance
- Recruiting players and families to the Club through strong relationships, clear communication, and networks
- Continuing to work at levelling-up coaching accreditation
- Obtaining her Umpiring C badge in 2021
Lyn Stacey spent her 42nd year of coaching with Heathfield Netball Club, juggling the Under 11 Division 1 side and the A2 Senior side.
Her nomination for the Coach of the Year (Community Award) highlighted her passion for developing youth as much as her passion for guiding experienced players to achieve their potential.
Since she joined the club in 1995 and obtained her Netball SA coaching accreditation in the same year, Stacey has coached every level from Net Set GO to Seniors, leading as many as five teams in a season.
A life member of the club since 2009, she has held many positions on the committee over the years, including Treasurer, President, Vice-President, Junior Coordinator, Coaches Coordinator and Association Representative.
Stacey is also a member of the Hills Netball Association Committee, has coached Hills Representative Teams and when the Regional Academies were formed, she was part of the inaugural coaching team for the Mt Lofty Regional Academy.
When she gained her accreditation to present the Foundation Netball Course, she spent several years presenting the course and assisting coaches across the association to gain their coaching certificate.
Stacey continued coaching Association for over 10 years and Regional for quite a few years and was awarded a life membership with the Hills Netball Association in 2010.
Mathew Hatchard was nominated for his incredible efforts, coaching eight different teams from Net Set GO to Seniors at the club over the summer and winter seasons – over 100 games in a calendar year!
An amazing coach and role model for current future players, his dedication is second to none and his focus on inclusivity has brought stronger success to the club.
He was acknowledged for his work with the Gawler and Playford SAPSASA, leading to wins with the Division 2 and 4 sides in the Country tournament.
Hatchard juggles his netball commitments while also coaching both soccer and basketball teams at the same time, demonstrating his passion for sport in his community.
Among his many achievements, the below were highlighted:
- Elizabeth Netball association Inter 1 premiers A2 premiers
- SA district netball association Sub Jnr 3 semi final
- Inter 1 Grand finalist
- SAPSASA Gawler Division 2 winners
- Other grades coached: Net set GO (set) Net set GO (GO), Sub Jnr
