Janine Southby is heading back to her roots.
The former Silver Ferns and Southern Steel coach is linking up with Netball South again as head coach of the Southern Blast for the National Netball League.
"Netball has been a big part of my life through playing and coaching for a very long time and I saw this opportunity as a way of giving back and helping that next level down which I have always been really passionate about," Southby said.
"I’m keen to support Netball South in the development of these young players and hopefully give them the confidence and the skill set they need to be moving forward into the Steel."
The Blast were resurrected after Netball South reversed its decision to cull the ANZ Premiership feeder team at the end of last year.
"There’s a lot of people out there who feel equally as strong about ensuring we provide this opportunity for young players throughout our southern zone.
"I understand there’s a lot of financial pressures out there and it’s hard to keep stumping up money to put campaigns together, but it’s really important as a netball community we provide the chance for them to do this."
Netball South chief executive Sonya Fleming paid tribute to former coach Abbey McKenzie, who stepped down after eight years with the team.
