Lisa Alexander extends contract as Diamonds netball boss past 2019 World Cup
DIAMONDS coach Lisa Alexander will stay in the role beyond next year’s world cup with the mercurial boss of one of Australia’s most success sporting teams offered a contract extension.
Women's sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Women's sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- What a ride! From sideshow to surf equality
- Why Caitlin Bassett made Giant move
- Mixed emotions for Dragons after historic match
NETBALL Australia has put its faith in national coach Lisa Alexander beyond next year’s World Cup with the mercurial boss of one of Australia’s most successful sporting teams offered a contract extension.
The extension will make Alexander, currently in camp with the Diamonds ahead of their first game of the Quad Series on Saturday, the longest continuously serving Australian netball coach in history.
BIG HIT: Jessica down but not out
EXTRA TIME: Lisa Alexander keen to coach on
Alexander, who lead the Australia netball team to the last world title and will be in charge of the side bidding to defend it in the UK next year, will remain as head coach until at least the end of 2020.
There is an option to extend the contract even further and until after the 2023 Commonwealth Games.
“It is heartening to know that I have the support of Netball Australia to continue with the Samsung Diamonds on our journey to be the world’s best high performance program,’’ Alexander said.
“It’s an exciting time for the Diamonds in having recently undergone a generational shift – we have a new and evolved squad and an enormous amount of talent coming through the Netball Australia pathways, the future is very promising.”
NEW SEASON: WNBL draw released
BREAK: Swifts captain Abbey McCulloch takes time out
Alexander took on the role as coach after Norma Plummer lead Australia to the 2011 world title in Singapore.
On Saturday Alexander will face the Plummer coached South African side whern the Diamonds open their Quad series campaign in Auckland.