Leeds Rhinos Netball appoint coaches for Performance Pathway programme

Leeds Rhinos Netball is pleased to announce the appointment of coaches for the revamped 2020-21 Performance Pathway programmes.

The inaugural U21 programme will be led by former Australian men’s representative, Stuart Dent. Having previously been the Head Coach of the Western Australian U19 team and Assistant Coach of the Western Sting, competing in the Australian Netball League, Dent will bring valuable high-performance experience to the environment. He will be joined by former Yorkshire Jets Superleague defender, Kate Lightfoot as the assistant coach.

The U19 programme will be led by Pathway Manager, Francine Hall. Hall led the U15 programme last season and steps up to the U19’s, replacing Emily Handyside, who is on maternity leave. Hall will be supported by assistant coach, Jan Hemsley, who returns for another season. 

The U17 programme features another new head coach, Tuaine Keenan. A highly accomplished Superleague player, having represented Yorkshire Jets, Team Northumbria and most recently Loughborough Lightning, Keenan will bring a fresh and exciting approach to the programme. She will be joined by the assistant coach from last season, Georgia Thompson.

Beccy Lewis has been appointed to lead U15 age group as the new Programme Manager and Competition Squad head coach. She will be joined by Lee Davis as her assistant coach. Together, they will oversee the four new Academy hub programmes across the region.

With the entry point for athletes entering the Leeds Rhinos Performance Pathway now beginning at the U15 age group, this programme has been expanded from last season with four Academy Hubs being delivered across the region, catering for up to 100 talented young athletes.

The North Academy will be led by Debbie Wright with Bethany Cotton, Amy Horsfield will take charge of the South Academy with the support of Lisa Driver and Swiss U17 head coach, Vanessa McErlain-Naylor will lead the East Academy alongside Hannah Doughty. Former senior coach of the Republic of Ireland, Joan Young, will bring valuable experience to the West Academy with Emma Peczek as her assistant.  They will be supported by U15 Apprentice Coach, Olivia Park.

Leeds Rhinos Netball welcomes the new and returning coaches to Team Rhinos for the 2020/21 season.