The Origin Australian Diamonds would like to thank Michelle Den Dekker, who has called time on her role as defensive specialist coach.
The Diamonds legend announced she would be stepping away from the role due to the ongoing uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic and the challenges it presents around travel, as well as local career opportunities.
She represented Australia on 84 occasions as a player and is the only captain to have led the team to two World Cup titles and a Commonwealth Games gold medal, with an incredible 92 per cent win rate during her 71 tests as captain.
Den Dekker and Sharelle McMahon were named specialist coaches for the Constellation Cup series in New Zealand in March.
Origin Australian Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich thanked Den Dekker for her contribution to the program.
“Michelle is an incredible coach and person and her passion and drive for the Diamonds success is contagious,” Marinkovich said.
“Michelle epitomises professionalism and we are grateful for what she brought to the program.”
Den Dekker said it was a difficult decision to step away from the role, but she hoped to be involved in future specialist coaching opportunities with both the Diamonds and pathway programs.
“I have absolutely loved being involved in the Diamonds program – both as a player and most recently as a specialist coach,” Den Dekker said.
“I have seen first-hand the culture that Stacey is building and I know the future looks incredibly bright for the Origin Australian Diamonds.”
Den Dekker will continue in her role as an assistant coach for the Australian 21/under squad.
Marinkovich will review the current coaching model for the upcoming international season, then look at the final structure ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
