meet the HEADSTART COACHES
A big part of our success has been the contribution of our incredible Coaches. We wanted to recognise their hard work by changing our name to something that all our collective efforts give our young people in sport and life: a Headstart.
Hayley saunders
Director
Head of Netball
Charlotte Elley
NETBALL
Hey Im Charlotte!
I grew up on the West Coast and have been playing netball now for over 15 years and have absolutely loved every one of them. I have been very lucky with the opportunities netball has given me throughout this period. I've been lucky enough to see the world and make life long friends along the way.
My love for playing netball makes me excited to be a part of the Headstart family and to be able to share the knowledge I’ve gained over the years. Being a from the Mainland I'm privileged to be currently playing in my fifth season with my home team The Good Oil Tactix's.
Outside of netball I have completed a degree In Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Supply Chain and International Business and am putting this to use at ANZCO Foods selling meat exports to the world.
A mantra I love to live by is “Be The Best Version of You”.
Zoe walker
NETBALL
Hey, I’m Zoe!
Netball has always been a huge part of my life - I have been playing netball for close to 20 years now, including 6 seasons for the Mainland Tactix, and can’t get enough! While I love the game itself, the best part about netball for me has been the friendships I have made and the life-long skills I have developed along the way, which is why and I am SO excited to be apart of the HeadStart team! My favourite part about coaching is helping players develop confidence on and off the netball court.
When I am not playing Netball you’ll find me either at Canterbury University where I am studying to become a P.E. teacher, coaching down at the netball courts, or sipping coffee at one of Christchurch’s many delicious cafés!
anna kennedy
Director
Head of Netball
Hi, I am Anna Kennedy (nee Thompson)
For as long as I can remember sport has been such a large positive influence of my life. Netball certainly has played such a big part of that but it was all the other sports that I was involved in growing up that helped me to have the success in my netball career.
Sport for me is full of opportunities. The opportunities to meet new people, develop skills physically and mentally, be active, be challenged and to learn.
I love seeing people grow to be better and great humans because of the benefits that sport can provide, in their chosen sport but also how this can reflect on their daily lives as well.
Outside of HeadStart Sport and Life I love to travel. I am married to Ross and we have 2 Labrador dogs, Bella and Phoebe.
“if it is to be it is up to me”
sam Darry
eRIKANA pEDERSEN
NETBALL
Hi, I’m Erikana!
When I first held a netball at the age of 8, I never would have imagined the opportunities it would create in my life. One of these is being able to share my skills and knowledge through coaching and I’m super excited to be a part of the Headstart family where I get to do this! I love watching players work hard to grow their skill set and confidence on and off the court, while of course having a lot of fun as well.
I have been lucky enough to have played with the Northern Mystics for two years before making the big move South where I am currently in my fifth year with the Mainland Tactix. In 2018 I debuted for the Silver Ferns too!
Outside of netball I am also completing a Bachelor of Business degree through Massey University and work as a receptionist at Performance Physio- the perfect place to work as an athlete!
ross kennedy
Director
Head of Rugby and Strength and Conditioning
gABI nEWMAN
NETBALL
Hi, I’m Gabi!
My love of netball began at age nine, when I called an early retirement on my football career and put on a bib for the Sumner School Future Ferns. Ever since then, I’ve been involved with netball through playing, coaching and umpiring.
I am a current Law, Geography and Political Science student at the University of Canterbury.
I enjoy a hearty laugh, a conversation that gets me thinking and in my spare time, you can catch me cycling, running, skiing - or just doing anything that has me outdoors with friends and family.
My go to mantra is ‘do what you love and love what you do’ I tend to think that with a bit of hard work, the rest will follow. Oh and ‘be kind!’ Never underestimate that one.
I am so excited to have the opportunity to help others to develop skills, achieve their goals and foster a passion for netball and all that it has to offer!
mEAGAN jEFFREY
NETBALL
Hi, I’m Meagan!
I’ve been involved in netball since I was 7 years old! I love being active, spending time at the beach and in the ocean, and playing guitar. I have just completed a Bachelor of Sports Coaching in Strength and Conditioning and Nutrition at the University of Canterbury, and am now training to become a Secondary Physical Education and Health teacher.
My favourite thing about coaching is seeing my athletes grow each week and being able to help them achieve their goals! And of course have a lot of fun along the way.
A piece of advice, aka. my favourite quote would be “Better an oops, than a what if?“ Don’t be afraid to try new things and make mistakes!