Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel head coach Reinga Bloxham has resigned to pursue opportunities internationally.
Bloxham has been an integral part of the Steel’s coaching ranks for the past 11 seasons, including the past eight at the helm where she guided the team to two ANZ Premiership titles in 2017 and 2018.
“Stepping away from Steel wasn’t an easy decision for me to make. I’ve played all my netball here in the south and this is where I became a high performance coach so moving away to take this opportunity was not done lightly,” she said.
“Part of my decision to move is about change and doing something that makes me uncomfortable and rattles my bones a bit.”
Bloxham’s netball career has progressed full circle with the southern franchise, from a championship-winning player with the legendary Southern Sting to a premiership-winning coach.
“The experiences I had as a player have allowed me to understand what it takes to win and I have tried to take the winning mindset into my coaching,” she said.
“My time at the Steel has shifted me from a person who enjoyed coaching netball at all levels because of my love for the game to someone who has made a career of coaching and moved into the performance coach zone
“My coaching journey has had its highs and lows but each experience has made me a better coach. It has made me look at why I do this. For me it’s about the people you meet along the way and making sure I stay true to who I am and my personal values.”
Reaching the decision to leave had provided a chance to reflect on her career highlights to date.
“I am lucky to have quite a few highlights. Definitely winning those back-to-back titles and Super Club rank right up there. The match in Christchurch the day after the van crash in 2017 where we had a team of young players come in and win was special and the way we came from behind to win our second title in 2018 will be a feeling I never forget,” she said.
“I also enjoy watching the players improve and grow as women, on and off the court. Seeing them
represent their countries and themselves so proudly is incredibly satisfying.
“And I have to rate the community we have and how they support this team as an absolute highlight.
It’s humbling to have such a loyal extended whanau for the Steel.”
Bloxham acknowledged it had been a challenging time on the scoreboard.
“It certainly has been a tough couple of seasons. The biggest learning for me has been around resilience and, as a leader, making sure that I turn up every week prepared and ready to win each and every session,” she said.
“It has allowed me to focus on my coaching, really try to simplify things, break it down and move forward. Learning is key for me and there have been plenty of lessons, but trying to determine what learning you take each week and then deliver it with energy and clarity.”
An international coaching gig always featured as part of Bloxham’s long term plan.
“It’s always hard to know when the right time for change is. From my perspective, the move is about me continuing to grow and learn and expand my coaching skills and knowledge.
“The opportunity to have international experience has been one I am fortunate to have had with Wales last season as part of the Netball World Cup and that fuelled my passion for it. We have a great set up here in New Zealand for coaches who are supported well in our roles and have a tangible pathway which can lead to a variety of opportunities both here and overseas.”
Steel chief executive Sonya Fleming said the head coach role would be advertised from Monday.
“Reinga has had a massive impact on our franchise, our sport and our players across all levels of the game here in Southland and her valuable input will be missed. On the flip side, it is fantastic to see one of our own homegrown talents seeking new experiences on the global stage and we wish her all the best in her future endeavours,” she said.
“For us, the hunt now begins for a high calibre and dynamic coach who can take the Steel in a new direction. I am excited to see who emerges from this recruitment process.”