Meet Leah Bragg, possibly – no, definitely – Orange’s most enthusiastic and passionate coach.
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The Anson Street School youngster coaches two of Orange Public School’s junior sides alongside Vipers ace Em Callaway – the under 8s Shooting Stars and the under 10s Gangsta Grannies – and has been given a rare and exciting opportunity this weekend.
She’s heading down to the big smoke to take part in a face-to-face coaching and umpiring session at Sydney Olympic Park’s Netball Central, designed to promote and encourage all-abilities mentors.
To say she’s excited is probably the understatement of the century.
“I’m leaving on Saturday and coming back Sunday night,” she beamed, watching on as one of her sides took to the court on Thursday afternoon.
“I think I’ll learn some new drills and techniques to teach the kids, I’m very, very excited.
“I found out about a month ago when Em asked me if I’d like to do it and she’s organised everything for me.”
The best indication of how much Bragg loves coaching is, simply, the fact she’s given up playing to do it despite being just 17.
“I used to play and then Em asked me to come and help coach halfway through last year, I’ve absolutely loved it and I’ve being doing it ever since,” Bragg explained, with a characteristic grin.
“I prefer coaching (to playing), because you get to see the girls grow up and improve, enjoy the sport and have lots of fun on the court.
“Em’s taught me so much, and Toot (Keegan) as well. Hopefully next year I’ll be able to coach my own team.”
I prefer coaching (to playing), because you get to see the girls grow up and improve.
- OPS coach Leah Bragg
The concept is completely funded by Netball Australia and includes online foundation courses along with this weekend’s practical sessions.
It’s the type of all-abilities support organiser Maria Cummins saw a need for.
After she got in touch with Orange Netball Association, Callaway said it was a no-brainer to put Bragg’s name forward.
“I’ve never seen anything like this put forward before, it’s a great opportunity for Leah,” she said.
“She’s so passionate and she does so much organisation and preparation for our teams, it’s just so great for her to have this chance.”
Callaway couldn’t have been more complimentary of her assistant coach, in particular her stunning work ethic.
“She comes to every training session and game and spends her spare time looking up drills online and she completed her foundation courses during her lunch breaks at school,” Callaway said.