Lana McCarthy isn't your average Orange Netball Association player-coach.
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In fact, she's not your average anything. The Hawks Royal head coach brings an unprecedented level of experience to the region, having achieved a Masters and PhD studying elite netball sides such as New Zealand's Northern Mystics and Silver Ferns.
It was these studies that allowed the the Massey University product to publish her very own book, titled 'Will to Win: New Zealand Netball Greats on Team Culture and Leadership.'
A lecturing job at Charles Sturt University lured McCarthy to Bathurst in 2019 as she juggles that gig with a coaching role at Orange Thunder's opens and under 12s sides.
There's not much left for McCarthy to achieve in the world of netball, but when she spoke about her goals this winter, Orange Thunder came to mind.
She's walking into a role that comes with a bit of pressure - given Thunder's success over the last two decades - but knows the girls are more than capable of winning the championship again.
"I've got a fantastic bunch of girls and they have really welcomed me into the team," she said.
I've got a fantastic bunch of girls and they've really welcomed me onto the team.
- Lana McCarthy.
"There is a bit of pressure that comes with the role because there's that expectation to win but we definitely have the players and the ability to win.
She might work in Bathurst but McCarthy was attracted to Orange netball due to its reputation in the region.
"The Orange netball competition is stronger than here in Bathurst," she said.
"I put the feelers out about who I should coach and one of my friends said the Hawks netball club has a great culture."
Last year marked a successful winter for McCarthy but naturally, she'd like to do better in 2021.
"I think for us to make the semi finals with a brand new coach was a really good achievement," she said.
"I think if we had an extra round we might have been able to push for the top two.
"There's always that intention of wanting to win and to get there, you need to get the whole team on board and development the right culture."
"You've got to have some fantastic senior players but also some younger ones who are pushing for positions," she said. The HART Regional League West Central West will return to PCYC on Sunday.
As for the local competition, ONA president Jane Dennis wasn't able to comment on the structure of the upcoming competition, but will know more after the team nomination deadline on Monday March 23.
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