October 18, 2016

Following strong success at age-group level, former Silver Fern Sandra Edge has been appointed assistant coach of the Central Pulse for next year’s ANZ Netball Elite League.

Edge enjoyed a glittering playing career and has continued to leave her mark from the sidelines, now joining head coach Yvette McCausland-Durie at the helm of the Pulse for the new six-team elite domestic competition.
The pair were Silver Ferns at the same time and have since gone on to forge successful coaching careers.

"I’m really excited to be working with Yvette, to do what I can for her and the players and to be part of that high performance environment,’’ Edge said.
Having coached in a variety of capacities, including school, club and NPC level in different parts of New Zealand over the last 35 years, Edge has more recently been involved at age-group level, this year guiding Wellington to the national under-19 title. She has also been part of the Performance Coach Qualification pathway with Netball New Zealand.

"I’ve had some great learning opportunities through my role as Coach Development Officer (at Netball Central) with High Performance Sport NZ, Sport NZ and Netball New Zealand which have led to this point and now moving into that high performance space with the Pulse is another fantastic opportunity and I’m thrilled to be involved,’’ she said.

"We’ve got a new coach, a new assistant coach, new players, young players and Silver Ferns, so it’s a matter of making it all come together for the on-court performances. Hopefully, I’ll have a little bit of input in what will be challenging but exciting times.’’

Edge believes knowledge gained through her role as Coach Development Officer and personal coaching experiences will stand her in good stead as she heads into the semi-professional environment.
McCausland-Durie was delighted Edge’s considerable expertise was being added to the Pulse mix.

"I have a huge respect for what she did as a player and following on from that as a coach she has done some excellent work with a number of our younger players coming through, so this is just another transition,’’ McCausland-Durie said.

"She’s got really good experience through having been a player at the elite level for numerous years, her coaching experience of the last few years and her professional role at Netball Central as Coach Development Officer.

"While I will probably focus on the defensive end, Sandy will offer invaluable guidance in the attacking space which is where she played the game and is her area of expertise. She will give us a point of difference and her ability to see things from a different perspective will be really helpful.’’

ENDS.

For media enquiries and interview requests, please contact:
Jane Hunt
Media and Communications Manager
e: jane_hunt@xtra.co.nz
m: +64 21 107 0287