Once again I am pleased to announce the Nunawading Spectres Junior girls coaching staff for the upcoming season. Our coaches have a wealth of experience at WNBL, State, SEABL, SEABL D League, and National Junior Championship Level. This coaching group is second to none, and I have no doubt that the level of development for individuals as well as teams will be outstanding. We still have several assistant coaches to add to our age groups; however these will be finalized closer to tryouts.
U12.1- Steve Kennedy
This will be Steve’s seventh season coaching at Nunawading Spectres. His passion for the game is second to none, and is constantly looking to add to his knowledge of the game. This will be Steve’s fourth season in the U12 age group, after successful previous seasons with finals appearances. Steve is currently the Head Coach of the Junior And1 Camps, he is also teaching at Box Hill Secondary College, and will be touring the USA on their basketball tour.
U12.1 (Assistant) – Nick Jackson - Nick has been playing basketball for 16 years. He has been coaching domestic and representative basketball for 4 years, and refereeing for 5 years. Nick has a passion for the game which is contagious. He is an excellent fundamentals coach.
12 .2 – Damien Sherry - Damien has many years of coaching experience and last season worked with the U14.3. He originally started with the Noarlunga City Tigers coaching U12-U16. Damien has led his team to finals in the 3 seasons he has been coaching in Victoria. He works hard to develop his players. He is committed to ensuring he gets the best out of each individual, and ultimately his team. Damien will be an asset to the U12 program, and ensure the continued development of our players.
U12.3 – Peter Newton
Peter will be returning to the U12 3 after a fantastic season leading his team to finals. Peter has coached for 15 years both boys and girls in all age groups. This will be his third season coaching at Nunawading. Peter has an eye for technical development. He works hard on ensuring his players are well drilled fundamentally. Peter’s knowledge and experience will be extremely valuable.
U12.4- Di Christie - Di has previously coached the U12 1 at Nunawading, and has a vast amount of experience at the VC level, as well as assisting the Big V and Youth League women’s teams. This season Di will continue to work with our development group. She loves working with the younger players and teaching sound fundamentals. Di has an excellent reputation of player development. Her skill sessions are excellent. We are extremely lucky to have someone of this caliber working with the future of our club!
U12.5- Garry Christie - Gary will continue to work with our development group this season also. He has had many years coaching experience at all ages. However his passion is developing young players. Gary has extensive knowledge of the game, ensuring that our players are being taught, by one of the best teachers of the game in the state.
14.1 – Scott Carey - Scott has long been known as a coach to watch. He has won Classic championships as well as VC championships. Scott has been Head Coach of the women’s SEABL D league for the past 2 seasons, both years playing for the Championship. This year his SEABL D league women took out the Championship title convincingly. Scott has also taken second sides into VC finals and Classic finals. Scott has previously taken Nunawading U14 to Nationals where they won Bronze. They were also the VC Championship winners. Scott is a strategic coach, with an eye for development, and will be endeavoring to lead our U14 back to Nationals and that elusive title.
14.1 - (Assistant) – Tamie Wilson - Tamie has coached Junior Spectres girl’s teams for eight years prior to becoming the Director of Coaching. This year she coached the U14 1 to the top 4. She was Head Coach of the Nunawading Women’s Youth League team for 2 years (01, 03) both seasons making the finals. She was the Head Coach of the Melbourne Roos Touring Team for 2 years (05, 06) playing against Division 1 College teams. She was also an ITC coach for two years. Tamie has also assisted many teams including; four U14 National Championship campaigns winning 3 medals (94, 95, 06, 07). Nunawading SEABL Women’s teams (02, 03, 07). Victoria Metro State (06), Nunawading Spectres Women’s Youth League team (07) and the University of Toledo Women’s College team Division 1 MAC (03-04).
U14.2 –Ricky Mitchell - Ricky will be taking our U14 2 team developing them for the following season. Ricky is renowned for his development work with teams. He has coached several players now playing in the WNBL. Ricky has coached at all age levels at different times during his coaching career. He previously coached with Nunawading Spectres Juniors from 1990-1996. Ricky assisted the Nunawading Spectres Youth League team in 1995, and was promoted to Head Coach in 1996. Ricky returned to Nunawading in 2006. Ricky has always had a soft spot for the second sides and loves to work on developing players. In Ricky’s long coaching career 90% of the second sides he has coached have made VC. Ricky is highly regarded amongst his coaching peers, and the U14 program will no doubt benefit from his coaching expertise and experience.
14.3 – Eleanor Brentnall - Eleanor will be coaching in the U14 age group this year after a phenomenal season with the U164 who will be playing in their Grand Final on Sunday. She is currently playing in the Nunawading SEABL team. Eleanor has played for Nunawading throughout her junior career, and played VBL during her final junior season, before being recruited by top Division One University – Virginia Tech in the USA. Eleanor has received many accolades as a player including several MVP’s VC championships, State Championships, National Championships, and was also named in the Australian Sapphires Squad in 06. Eleanor unfortunately has an injury which has forced her to make a tough decision, and leave her scholarship in America to focus on recovery. Luckily for Nunawading Eleanor who is a true club person, even assisted the U14 Nunawading several years back has expressed her interest in continuing to give back to her club, and is excited about coaching in the U14 age group. Eleanor is one of our brightest talents and will be an asset to the U14 program
U14.4 – Matt Joyce - Matt will be moving back to the 14’s program after a successful season with the U12’s. Matt led his previous U14 team to the finals, after an impressive season in the top 4. Matt works hard on the development of his players, and has a vast amount of knowledge in the game, not only as a coach, but as a referee and official scorer for senior games. Matt is currently the Director of Coaching for Waverly Wildcats. Matt’s knowledge of strategy, and ability to develop players for specific positions will be a huge benefit for the U14 program
U16.1 - Paul O’Brien - Paul’s coaching experience is phenomenal, with experience at many levels including coaching at junior level, state levels, VBL seniors and SEABL seniors, during this time he has won many Championships, and developed some of today’s great players. One of Paul’s most high profile stints was as the Head coach of the Perth Lynx WNBL team. More recently Paul was appointed as an Assistant Coach for the Bendigo Spirit WNBL team. Paul is renowned for his excellent work ethic, knowledge of the game, development of players, and amazing training sessions.
16.2 – Mark Alabakov - Mark will be taking the U16.2 this season after a fabulous season with the U163 who narrowly missed the Grand Final. He was also the assistant coach for the Broadmeadows Big V team who won the Championship. Mark has previously coached Diamond Valley U16 1 to a Championship. Mark has coached for several years at an elite level, and was appointed on the South Dragons NBL coaching staff as a coaching apprentice for 2 years. He has also assisted at senior Big V level with Bulleen Boomers, and Youth League men. Mark is involved with the ITC program. Mark played seniors for several years with Bulleen Boomers and Coburg. His experience and basketball expertise will be instrumental in developing our U16 players.
U16.3 – Brett Spicer - Brett is originally from Nunawading and will return “home” after successfully coaching at Kilsyth. Brett has been involved with U14 for 3 seasons and reached the final four each season. More recently he has been the Head Coach of the U20 1 team which played in finals and this year will play for the Championship title. Brett was also the assistant coach for the SEABL D league women at Kilsyth who made the top 4 both seasons he was involved. Brett ensures players have a strong understanding of the game, resulting in good decision making in offense. He also has a strong emphasis on defence, and work ethic. Brett will be an asset to the development of the U16 program.
16.4 - Andrew Halsall – Andrew Halsall has been coaching for 17 years. He started coaching at Nunawading Spectres in 1995. He has coached U14-U20. Andrew will move to U16’s this season, and work with the development group. Ensuring that this group is well drilled, in the fundamentals of the game. Andrew is heavily committed to educating himself in new teaching methods, and concepts, to ensure that he is continually adding to his knowledge of the game. Andrew assisted at ITC for 3 years. His team from the season just past finished their successful season just missing out on the Championship game.
18.1 – Jaysn Harvey - Jaysn will be back at the helm of the U18 program this season. Newly appointed as the Nunawading Spectres SEABL women’s team, Jaysn will be able to provide second to none development for players looking to make the step to senior level. Jaysn has an impressive basketball resume winning 9 National titles and countless Victorian State Championship titles. Jaysn was the Head coach of state teams for several years and an ITC Network coach for over 12 years. Jaysn has assisted at SEABL, and was the Assistant coach for Dandenong Rangers WNBL for 3 seasons and all 3 seasons they made the Championship game. Jaysn was also the Assistant Coach for the WNBL team that competed in the FIBA Club World Championships in Russia.
U18.1- (Assistant) Tony Carlin - Tony’s experience and knowledge of the game have made him a successful coach at both junior and senior levels; he has coached at all age groups, as well as the boys, and has also assisted at senior level, he has coached for 11 years with the Nunawading Spectres. His record of wins is second to none. Tony has guided Nunawading Spectres to 6 National Classic and National Club titles, and 14 top 3 ranking. Tony is an excellent strategies coach, and his emphasis on fundamentals ensures that his teams are always well prepared.
18.2 – Sarah Green
Sarah will continue to coach in the U18 age group after guiding her team to the Championship game in VC reserve this Friday. Sarah has represented Nunawading through juniors and seniors. She has played VBL and SEABL, and showed immense courage returning from a knee injury, and being able to continue to compete at such an elite level. She was named in the Big V All Star 5 in 2004. Sarah has been involved in coaching for several years, and this season lead her team to the finals. This team also performed exceptionally at the Nunawading tournament. Sarah has enormous experience in the game and has also assisted at seniors in the Youth League Women’s team. She is the Director of AND1 Basketball camps, Pink Ball Co-coordinator, and Aussie Hoops Co-coordinator. The knowledge that she will pass on to her players and the development that they will receive will be outstanding.
18.2 - (Assistant) Craig Gardner – Craig has been involved at Nunawading for several seasons. He assisted the U18 2 for two seasons previously, both teams have made VC, and this year will be playing off for the VC reserve Championship. Craig will continue to work with the U18 this year, and assist in the continued development and success of the program.
18.3 – Mike Bainbridge – Mike will be continuing to help out the junior program, after leading his U20 team to the finals. Mike has been the head coach of the Nunawading women’s SEABL team for the past 2 seasons and made the finals both years. He was named the SEABL coach of the year in 08. Mike has a wealth of experience coaching at both the junior and senior level in VC, State, and SEABL. His expertise will be an asset in the U18 program.
20.1 - Steve Arthurson - Steve has been involved at Nunawading for many years, and involved with coaching for 26 years. After assisting the U18 1 this year, Steve will return to Head coaching this coming season. He has experience coaching both boys and girls as well as assisting the SEABL women’s team in 2002. Steve coached the U18 2 previously that qualified for VC; their development throughout the season was tremendous. Steve has also worked with junior and senior teams in team building, motivation, goal setting etc.
Strength and Conditioning Coaches – Bill Haines - Bill has been the Nunawading Spectres girl’s specialist running coach for the past two years, his passion for teaching and basketball are evident in his training sessions, and often infectious Bill was Strength and Conditioning Coach for Nunawading Spectres Big V team (07), and for the U18 Country Victorian State team (08). He was the WNBL Specialist Plyometrics/Sprint coach (03,04,05,06,Dandenong Rangers) the team won two national titles and was runner up in those 4 years. He was Specialist individual Conditioning coach for WNBL players wanting to improve their lateral/ forward speed and agility (03,04,05,06) and is currently still providing this service to WNBL players trying out for the WNBA. Bill was the Specialist running coach for Australian Sapphires Basketball Team before the world championships where they won the silver medal.
Martin Gamble - Martin has been coaching basketball for several years. He has coached both boys and girls and for the past 2 years has been involved with the Nunawading Spectres boys program as an assistant coach. Martin has an extensive background in elite sports and fitness training. He is also heavily involved with Athletics Victoria cross country and track and field.
Geraldine Gamble – Geraldine has been developing strength and conditioning programs for both the boys and the girls for several seasons. She has been a qualified personal trainer for 10 years, and is currently the Physical Education co-ordinator, National Cross Country coach, and been involved as coach in athletics at the elite level for several years.
Congratulations to the coaching staff for the 09/10 season. I would like take this opportunity
to thank Peter Carey for all his years of service to Nunawading Spectres. Peter will be resigning after the conclusion of this season. Peter is a highly respected coach,that is loved and respected by not only all coaching staff at Nunawading, but the players that have been lucky enough to have him coach them. Peter has lead VC teams to Championship titles, Classic titles, and Youth League titles. I would like to thank Peter on behalf of Nunawading for his support, passion for the game and the club. Thank you Peter, and good luck in your future endeavours, we hope one day we will see you back at the club.
Tamie Wilson
Girls Director Of Coaching
