Taumaunu: empowering and encouraging women
October 18, 2015
Coaching at the highest level is a tough gig. But it’s a role that outgoing Silver Ferns coach Waimarama Taumaunu MBE hasn’t shied away from – in fact she has relished the challenge.
Taumaunu’s Silver Ferns coaching career has spanned two terms as assistant coach 1997-1998 and 2008-2011, before assuming the top job in late 2011.
In the lead-up to her final Test Series in charge of the Silver Ferns, Taumaunu reflected on the people who have supported her throughout her coaching career offering advice or just an ear – people like Lyn Gunson, Yvonne Willering and Ruth Aitken.
“In the background, Ruth Aitken has always been a hugely supportive presence and in particular when things looked a bit tough you could just about guarantee that there’d be a supportive note from Ruth,” Taumaunu said.
“I really appreciated that and I am determined going forward that I will take that same supportive, but in the background role, that I have thoroughly enjoyed from Ruth.”
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During her eight-year tenure Taumaunu says she has learnt a lot, both as a coach and as a person.
“The things that I have learnt in the last eight years are around managing a group, but that group grew up,” she said.
“It wasn’t just managing, but empowering and encouraging women who started out as youngsters and are now in their 30’s. Growing with them and recognising when the approach needed to change.
“In terms of coaching, I learnt a lot of things around the finer aspects. I learnt a lot about statistics from Dr Willcox and the shooting circle from Vicki [Wilson] – so there was a lot of that Netball specific stuff.
“There are small things but I think in the main, the biggest learning is about watching young women grow up and managing them appropriately in the stages they are at.”
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On Tuesday night, Taumaunu will lead the Silver Ferns for the final time at Horncastle Arena, Christchurch, in the opening Test of the New World Netball Series for the Constellation Cup.
It will also be a milestone moment for Taumaunu –becoming only the fourth Silver Ferns coach to reach 50 Test Matches in charge; joining illustrious company alongside Ruth Aitken (112 Tests), Dame Lois Muir (107) and Yvonne Willering (51).
Taumaunu’s Silver Ferns coaching career has spanned two terms as assistant coach 1997-1998 and 2008-2011, before assuming the top job in late 2011.
In the lead-up to her final Test Series in charge of the Silver Ferns, Taumaunu reflected on the people who have supported her throughout her coaching career offering advice or just an ear – people like Lyn Gunson, Yvonne Willering and Ruth Aitken.
“In the background, Ruth Aitken has always been a hugely supportive presence and in particular when things looked a bit tough you could just about guarantee that there’d be a supportive note from Ruth,” Taumaunu said.
“I really appreciated that and I am determined going forward that I will take that same supportive, but in the background role, that I have thoroughly enjoyed from Ruth.”
New World Netball Series for the Constellation Cup – GET TICKETS
During her eight-year tenure Taumaunu says she has learnt a lot, both as a coach and as a person.
“The things that I have learnt in the last eight years are around managing a group, but that group grew up,” she said.
“It wasn’t just managing, but empowering and encouraging women who started out as youngsters and are now in their 30’s. Growing with them and recognising when the approach needed to change.
“In terms of coaching, I learnt a lot of things around the finer aspects. I learnt a lot about statistics from Dr Willcox and the shooting circle from Vicki [Wilson] – so there was a lot of that Netball specific stuff.
“There are small things but I think in the main, the biggest learning is about watching young women grow up and managing them appropriately in the stages they are at.”
VOTE NOW: SKY Sport Moment of the Year
VOTE NOTE: Woman’s Day People’s Choice
On Tuesday night, Taumaunu will lead the Silver Ferns for the final time at Horncastle Arena, Christchurch, in the opening Test of the New World Netball Series for the Constellation Cup.
It will also be a milestone moment for Taumaunu –becoming only the fourth Silver Ferns coach to reach 50 Test Matches in charge; joining illustrious company alongside Ruth Aitken (112 Tests), Dame Lois Muir (107) and Yvonne Willering (51).