Origin Australian Diamonds head coach Stacey Marinkovich has put pen to paper and will lead the world’s top ranked team for a further four years.
“This is my dream job. It’s great to be able to continue on with what we've started as a group. I’ve been able to work with an exceptional group of people and I've been well supported by Netball Australia,” Marinkovich said.
“They took that leap of faith with me when they appointed me as coach and we've worked really well together not only as an organisation, but as a high performance group. The connection that I've got with the players … I think we're creating something really special. To be able to be rewarded for that effort and result for another four years is very exciting.”
Marinkovich was appointed as head coach of the Diamonds in 2020. Under her leadership the team have won five of their past six tournaments, including gold at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The 15th person to coach the national team, Marinkovich will lead the Diamonds through to the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney.
Marinkovich will serve as head coach until after the 2027 Netball World Cup.“It is an absolute privilege to coach this group of incredibly talented athletes. Our connection both on and off the court is what makes this program so special,” she said.
“There are massive expectations for success when you wear the Diamonds uniform. This is something I embrace knowing I am surrounded by our high performance team’s expertise, knowledge and specialist skillsets.
“I am only one part of this program, and I look forward to seeing where our staff, players and the organisation can take the on-court performance and the sport.
“Being a part of the Origin Australian Diamonds program has been a life changing experience and I look forward to continuing this journey and contributing to the Diamonds legacy of success.
“I’d like to thank Netball Australia for trusting in my vision for this program.”
Awarded the Joyce Brown Coach of the Year in 2018 and 2022, Marinkovich has had a lifetime involvement with the Netball Australia pathway as an elite player in state representative teams and for the Perth Orioles and West Coast Fever until her playing retirement in 2009.
Marinkovich was last year awarded the Joyce Brown Coach of the Year.Marinkovich went on to forge a successful coaching career, including seven years as head coach at the West Coast Fever, specialist centre court coach of the Australian Development squad and as Australia’s Fast5 head coach.
Netball Australia CEO Kelly Ryan was delighted to extend Marinkovich’s tenure as the Diamonds head coach.
“We are excited Stacey will continue to lead the Origin Australian Diamonds into the future,” Ryan said.
“Stacey’s success speaks for itself, but more than that she is a wonderful coach and a fantastic leader.
“Stacey has developed strong and meaningful relationships with players, coaches and staff and has instilled a fantastic culture within the Origin Australian Diamonds program, while displaying exceptional instincts for the game.”
The Origin Australian Diamonds will next take on the world’s best at the 2023 Netball World Cup in Cape Town from July 28 to August 6.
