Steel coach Janine Southby's career has been given another leg-up.
The Mosgiel-based coach led the New Zealand under-21 team to glory at the youth world championships in Glasgow three weeks ago, and now she has been named coach of the Silver Ferns Fast5 squad.
The Silver Ferns will defend their title at Auckland's Vector Arena in November, and Southby is looking forward to the challenge and determined to grasp the opportunity with both hands.
''Who didn't love the Fast5 last year?'' Southby said.
''What an exciting tournament and I'm really thrilled to have been asked to coach the Fast5 Ferns side. It's a really fast-paced game and a tough physical challenge for the team, so it's a good way to end their international season with a bang.
''Plus, they're defending champions - no pressure.''
Southby is part of Netball New Zealand's high performance coaching programme and her appointment is further confirmation of her rising status in the game.
Netball New Zealand high performance director Lynette Grace said the promotion was due reward.
''Janine's results over the past 12 months with the teams she has worked with have been outstanding and we feel she more than deserves this opportunity,'' Grace said.
Six teams will compete for the Fast5 title - England, South Africa, Australia, Malawi and Jamaica will compete alongside New Zealand.
Steel midcourter Shannon Francois has been added to the Silver Ferns squad for the three Constellation Cup tests in Australia.
Francois, who replaces Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit, has been in the extended New Zealand squad, and provides cover for all three midcourt positions.
Silver Ferns
Fast5 squad
Casey Kopua, Laura Langman, Anna Thompson, Courtney Tairi, Cathrine Latu, Katrina Grant, Katarina Cooper, Shannon Francois, Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit, Maria Tutaia.
