Hawkins quits as Tactix coach
Sue Hawkins has quit as Mainland Tactix coach, with assistant Marianne DelaneyHoshek taking over for the rest of the season.
‘‘Moving forward as a professional coach, there is a time when you have to step aside in the interest of the team,’’ Hawkins said in a statement yesterday.
‘‘I have enjoyed my time with the Tactix and wish them all the best for the rest of the season.’’
The decision appears to have come after last Wednesday’s 90-41 mauling by the Southern Steel in Christchurch, the heaviest loss in Tactix history.
Netball Mainland chief executive Brigit Hearn said they respected Hawkins’ decision.
‘‘We are sorry to be losing Sue’s expertise and would like to thank her for her contribution to coaching across the zone, and for her professionalism. We respect her reasons for making this difficult decision and wish her all the very best for the future.’’
Delaney-Hoshek, who has had great support from Hawkins and has learned a lot from her coaching style and skills, will take over as head coach for the remainder of the season. A recruitment process will be undertaken after the season ends.
Netball Mainland board chair, Anne Marett said: ‘‘We thank Sue for her contribution to Netball Mainland and to coaching the Tactix and wish her well in her future.’’
Hawkins was given a two-year coaching extension last August, along with assistant coach Delaney-Hoshek through to the end of the 2018 season.
The former Australian shooter was unable to turnaround the embattled Tactix around, guiding them to just three wins from 31 matches since taking charge in 2015. This season, the Tactix are 0-5 in the new ANZ Premiership competition, the only side without a win.
Hawkins was appointed Tactix coach in July, 2014, replacing Leigh Gibbs.
She coached the England national team from 2007 to 2011 and was Netball Australia’s first high-performance manager in 1999.
Hawkins coached the Queensland Firebirds in Australia’s old domestic league and was a specialist coach with the New South Wales Swifts in the trans-Tasman league in 2012. She also had a stint coaching the Auckland Diamonds in New Zealand’s former domestic competition.