THE OPPORTUNITY to work again with close friend Tamsin Greenway was the main reason behind Mel Mansfield’s decision to take up a new role as assistant coach at Wasps Netball.
The ex-England international decided not to renew her contract with Vitality Netball Superleague rivals Hertfordshire Mavericks and opted instead for a move to Coventry where she will be reunited once again with Wasps’ director of netball Tamsin Greenway.
The pair spent four successful years together at Surrey Storm between 2009 and 2013, initially as player and coach, then as a coaching team.
Mansfield took a season out to complete her UK Coaching Certificate level 3 qualification after her spell at Surrey Storm before going on to become head coach of the University of Hertfordshire’s netball performance programme which she carried out alongside her role at Hertfordshire Mavericks.
“I am delighted to be back coaching with Tamsin again,” said Mansfield, who played for England from 1993 to 1998 and has over 14 years’ of coaching experience.
“Choosing not to renew my contract with Mavericks was never going to be an easy decision or one I’d take lightly, but the opportunity to be reunited with Tamsin at a new and forward-thinking club like Wasps and build something from the ground up – just as we did together at Storm – was just too good to pass up.
“The opportunity to work with Tamsin again is just amazing. Tamsin is one of the best coaches in this country and together we have great plans to take netball forward. I just can’t wait to get started.”
The creation of Wasps Netball, which will play its home games in the Ricoh Arena’s Jaguar Exhibition Hall, comes after Wasps were named as one of three new teams to compete in the new VNSL.
The club is continuing to build a competitive squad and Greenway is looking forward to linking up with her close friend.
She added: “To be able to bring in a coach of Mel’s experience, knowledge and ability is fantastic.
““The planning and development for Wasps is very exciting and there is incredible buzz and interest forming in Coventry and across the West Midlands with the arrival of Wasps Netball.”
