The Adelaide Thunderbirds will welcome gold medal-winning coach, former international netballer, and Thunderbird #18 Tracey Neville MBE to its coaching ranks for the 2023 season.
Neville will join head coach Tania Obst and assistant coach Cathy Fellows as a second assistant coach, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to go with a long list of accolades.
A legend of English Netball, Neville represented her country as an athlete 81 times before taking the reins as coach from 2015 to 2019, during which she led the side to win gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
In her time as head coach of the Roses, Neville worked closely with Obst who took on the role of Senior and Futures Coach from 2017-19.
Before that, Neville coached Manchester Thunder from 2011 to 2015, taking the side to two Netball Superleague titles in 2012 and 2014.
In 2021, she returned to her former franchise as Performance Operations Director and Specialist Coach of the Thunder.
Relocating to Adelaide for 2023 is particularly special for her, as she has strong roots with the city as Thunderbird #18 and a Premiership player with Contax Netball Club from 2000.
For Neville, the chance to join the Suncorp Super Netball League and reconnect with Obst was an opportunity she could not turn down.
“Tania and I have already been part of a very successful coaching team and I have had close eyes on the program she has built and how she has created a positive and successful future for the club,” Neville said.
“Cathy’s reputation is outstanding in the SSN and to work with a coach who has undoubtedly the best defensive record in the league is going to be an honour.”
“A coaching goal has always been to work in the best league in the world with the best players, so when Adelaide approached me with their offer it was a chance and role that I could not refuse.”
Knowing she has established a history with the club only motivated her decision.
“To know I have been part of the Adelaide Thunderbirds legacy is an honour and to take my family back to a place where I have so many great memories and friends is heart-warming,” Neville said.
“The club has a history of success and the chance to add value and enhance what is an established and successful high-performance environment is exciting.”
Looking ahead, Neville said she is excited to work with the club’s list for 2023.
“The playing list is exceptionally talented and uniquely diverse, and they are in a healthy position to push boundaries and challenge for finals,” Neville said.
“I’m looking forward to getting to Adelaide and starting our work for next season.”
