Welsh Netball is pleased to announce that it has appointed Australian coach Julie Hoornweg as Interim Head Coach of Celtic Dragons and Wales.
Hoornweg has an outstanding coaching CV, combining extensive experience in both international and franchise netball.
Hoornweg began her career as a netball player in the Australian state of Victoria. She then moved into coaching, becoming the Fiji national coach in 1997. She was awarded Fiji Coach of the Year in 1998 and was made an Officer of the Order of Fiji in 1999.
Recognised with an Australian Sports Medal in 2000, Hoornweg became head coach of England in the same year. This was followed by a return to Australia where Hoornweg was named Netball Australia Coach of the Year 2005.
Hoornweg has also played a leading role in the development of franchise netball in the trans-Tasman league. She spent several successful seasons the helm of Melbourne Vixens, leading the franchise to a league title and two grand finals in Australia and New Zealand’s elite competition. It was during this time that she once again was awarded the Coach of the Year (2008) award. Latterly, she worked as the inaugural head coach of new Auckland-based franchise, Northern Stars.
Sarah Jones, Welsh Netball CEO was pleased to have secured Hoornweg: “It is absolutely fantastic for Wales and Celtic Dragons that we are able to welcome Julie to the Coaching team.”
“Julie has an exceptional track record as a head coach that spans the last two decades. Her range of experience across the netball world will be hugely beneficial to our players in both the Superleague season and the Commonwealth Games.”
Jones added: “Julie’s appointment is interim and we are happy that Julie was able to commit to Wales and Celtic Dragons at short notice.”
“Julie will take the lead for the Superleague season and the Commonwealth Games before returning to her family in Australia at the end of the season.”
