An assistant with the title-winning Central Manawa team in this year’s National Netball League, Ngarama Milner-Olsen will step into the head coach role for 2023.
Since retiring as a player in 2015, the former Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse midcourter, has turned her attention to guiding, mentoring and developing athletes while building a strong coaching resume.
Milner-Olsen provided technical and conditioning support for Scotland during the 2014 Commonwealth Games, coached the St Mary’s College Senior A team – a fruitful nursery for budding netball talent – from 2015 – 17, the PIC Premier 1 team from 2017 – 21, Ikaroa Ki te Tonga U15 2017 – 18, Ikaroa Ki te Tonga U17 2020 – 21 and in 2020 took over the newly created position of Scots College Netball Director / Head Coach when the school became a co-education college the same year.
With a background in personal training, specialising in strength and conditioning, Milner-Olsen is also a Director / Head Coach of Mobile Fitness Solutions and has remained an active athlete, specialising in triathlon and ironman competitions at the elite level in her age-group.
``The opportunity came earlier than I expected having been assistant this season (2022) where I thoroughly enjoying being back coaching in the High Performance environment,’’ Milner-Olsen said.
``I have been coaching for the past 10 years since retiring from playing in the ANZ Championship and I feel the timing is right for me to take the next step.
``Central Manawa has an exceptional history in developing and growing elite netballers. Through this process it has given them the ability to win back-to-back championships and this is a legacy we want to continue and achieve in 2023 and beyond.’’
After six years with Manawa, the last three as head coach, Anna Andrews-Tasola has opted to concentrate on her role as Pulse assistant coach for 2023.
``I’ve had a wonderful and rewarding six years with Manawa but balanced with my work outside of netball, I felt the time was right to put my full effort and time into the assistant’s role with the Pulse,’’ Andrews-Tasola said.
With a focus on identifying and developing coaches who aspire to coach the Pulse in the future, up to three Manawa assistant coaches will be appointed in due course while Sarona Tolo remains as team manager.
Picture: from left, Anna Andrews-Tasola, Manawa manager Sarona Tolo, in-coming head coach Ngarama Milner-Olsen