The Adelaide Thunderbirds environment is something that I’m really honoured to be a part of, and it’s even more special this year with Nat joining the team as a specialist coach. I have loved every minute of it so far.
She’s armed with so much knowledge and has done it all before, so she understands what our players are feeling. If I’m feeling something, she’s probably felt it too. Don’t get me wrong – she has high expectations! There are no shortcuts and you must bring your best to every training session, however, having her as a coach has been incredible and knowing she’s been in your shoes before brings a deep level of trust.
Not only an exceptional coach, she is one of the best leaders that Australian netball has ever seen. As a member of the Adelaide Thunderbirds leadership group for 2019 I’m working on doing whatever I need to for the team, no matter how big or small. Being able to go and ask Nat a question that I might have about leadership and knowing that I’m getting the best feedback I can from one of the greats is so valuable.
Amongst the playing group, we’re all pushing each other to be better people and better athletes. We’ve set our standards high and it’s the leadership group’s job to make sure we’re consistently sticking to those rules and holding team mates accountable. The team is in a great place with a past legend helping to steer our club to success. I’m just Hannah Petty from Wudinna, playing out my childhood dreams and learning from one of the best netballers of ALL TIME! How cool is that?
