It was her Mum that modelled how to be an amazing coach and Kimiora Insley has taken it full circle coaching others and thriving in numerous voluntary roles - firstly in Taumarunui and then at Rotorua Netball Centre.
Insley’s love for the game is evident, she dedicates hours to the sport – this season she successfully coached two senior women’s teams – one side taking out the premier one final and the others were runners-up in premier two.
Adding to her coaching role she was elected as an Executive Member of the Rotorua Netball Centre this year and has led skill development programmes for Year 7 and 8 players and coaches.
“Over the past two years I have felt a decline in the skills of the players in general. So, this year I decided I was going to focus on grassroots, not only to help the players but also the coaches.”
A representative player through her teenage years, Insley was grateful for the skills and the many friendships she developed. As she got older the opportunity to give others this chance is what continues to motivate her.
“I love seeing the growth and development of players, not just in their skills but for them as an individual and as a team member. The delight they have on their faces when they achieve something is so rewarding, no matter how big or small. These moments give me so much pleasure and I want to keep doing it,” said Insley.
With years of coaching under her belt, she often sees those she has coached at netball courts throughout the region and is humbled when they acknowledge the contribution she has made to their lives.
“I bumped into a player I coached a few years ago who has just returned to Rotorua, and she said she was still playing netball thanks to me. One of my goals is to provide positive experiences to players so that they will want to continue to play in their adult years. It gives me a buzz when I see past players still playing.”
A former secondary school teacher, Insley says the thought of a netball team not being able to play due to them having no coach is just not an option. In years gone by she would find time to coach an extra team during the week and run a parent roster to support that team on game day.
“My main aim has always been to create opportunities for anyone who wanted to play, to develop their skills so they could play the game effectively, and to create a positive team culture, so it was something they enjoyed and wanted to keep coming back to.”
Insley says there are probably one hundred reasons why she volunteers – a good sign that she will keep putting her hand up in years to come.
If you would like to register your interest in volunteering or be connected with your local Netball Centre, you can register here.