Southern Steel stalwart Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit has been named as the Mainland Tactix assistant coach.
She will join head coach Marianne Delaney-Hoshek, who she played under at the Central Pulse, and will be coaching her sister and shooter, Te Paea.
The defender called time on her playing career at the end of the Steel’s season, where she played her 200th game, and signalled her coaching desires.
Selby-Rickit moved to Christchurch following the season to continue working towards a teaching career with a placement at Te Kura Whakapūmau i te Reo Tūturu ki Waitaha, opening the door for the assistant role.
"When the Tactix assistant coach position came up it intrigued me because it meant I could complete my teaching registration while remaining in the netball world and also still be immersed in Te Ao Māori — three birds with one stone, so it was an opportunity too good to miss," Selby-Rickit said.
Working alongside Delaney-Hoshek and an experienced playing group was another draw card.
She paid tribute to Southland — having moved from Ōtaki at 16 — the region which gave her a start at the Southern Sting and later the Steel.
‘‘The support I received from the people and community down there was unbelievable and they made me feel at home immediately.
"I have really enjoyed my time there and I will miss walking into Stadium Southland every day and saying ‘hi’ to the staff, walking passed the many offices and seeing all the kids playing various sports.
"But I’m very excited to be in a new environment and I can’t wait to be back on court ... although this time being in the sideline seats."
Delaney-Hoshek was thrilled to secure Selby-Rickit’s services.
"Hu brings a wealth of netball knowledge with her to the Tactix and has shown her netball brain is one of the best," she said.
