Super Netball: Roselee Jencke walks away from Queensland Firebirds after 11 years as coach

After signing a coaching extension in July, Roselee Jencke has shocked the netball world by quitting the Queensland Firebirds.

The Queensland Firebirds are searching for a new coach after Roselee Jencke’s shock decision to end her 11-year tenure with the club.

Jencke, who guided the Firebirds to three premierships, five grand final appearances and an undefeated 2011 season, had in July signed an agreement to extend her coaching deal until the end of the 2021 campaign.

However, she has walked away after this year lifting the Firebirds to fifth place on the Super Netball ladder after collecting unwanted the wooden spoon in 2019.

A statement from our Head Coach Roselee Jencke in acknowledgement of feedback arising from Sunday’s game.

— Queensland Firebirds (@FirebirdsQld) September 21, 2020

“Finishing the season with strong momentum has positioned this group well for the future, so it’s the right time for the team to start their next chapter,” Jencke said.

“I’m very proud of everything we have achieved over the last 11 years.

“There have been challenging times; however, there have been many more moments of joy and success, and I want to thank everyone in the club and our wonderful fans for their support over the years.”

It’s unknown whether the furore surrounding Jencke’s decision not to give Super Netball’s only Aboriginal player Jemma Mi Mi court time in the competition’s Indigenous round last month contributed to her choice to quit.

Netball Queensland chair Eugenie Buckley was grateful for Jencke’s service.

“Rose has made an invaluable contribution to the culture of success we have built at the Queensland Firebirds across the past decade,” Buckley said.

“We are grateful for all she has given the club, both on and off the court, and wish her every success for the next phase of her netball journey.”