University Appoints New Director of Netball
Thursday, 15 December 2016
The University of Worcester has appointed an experienced coach as its new Director of Netball.
Louisa-Jayne Walker has a 10-year background in coaching and will oversee the strategic development of all forms of netball within the University.
She will also be involved in helping to develop the University's new professional netball club, Severn Stars, a joint partnership with the University of Gloucestershire, working with its Director of Netball, Pamela Cookey.
Mrs Walker comes to the University from her role as Performance Netball Coach at Millfield School, in Somerset, and before that was Head of Netball at New Hall School, in Essex.
Alongside this she was Assistant Coach for Wales U19s at Netball Europe in 2015 and 2014 and also coached the Wales U21 netball side on a three match test series to South Africa to play their U21s in June this year.
Mrs Walker was Assistant Coach for British Colleges National Netball Team during her time at university.
Mrs Walker said: "I am delighted to be appointed in the role of Director of Netball.
"The University Netball programme has developed rapidly in recent years and I look to build on the success achieved.
"I am hoping to develop the structure of University Netball to ensure that there are opportunities for students to become involved in coaching, umpiring and playing at different levels and will ensure that we continue to work with the local netballing community.
"The chance to help build a brand new Superleague franchise is an amazing opportunity. The new team makes this a very exciting time for netball in Worcestershire."
Mick Donovan, Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor (Inclusive Sport & Educational Development), said: "We are thrilled to have Louisa on board to direct and drive netball at the University of Worcester.
"She brings great passion and knowledge of the sport and we are sure that she will have a great impact with the growing number of netball student/players at the University of Worcester.
"Clearly, she will also have a key role to play with the Severn Stars, working alongside Pam Cookey as both universities support the franchise.
"Given the growth and the huge interest in participation within the sport in the UK and the south west region, Worcester and Gloucestershire offer great opportunities to study and play at all levels."