Episode 9: Leigh Gibbs

Leigh Gibbs is an absolute legend in Netball and New Zealand sporting circles. She played 61 tests for the Silver Ferns (NZ National team), including captaining the team to win the 1987 World Champs. She then coached the Silver Ferns as both a Head Coach and Assistant Coach, where the team won the 2003 World Champs and 2006 Commonwealth Games. In 2001 Leigh was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, due to services to Netball.

She has dedicated much of her life servicing the sport and has a deep passion for coaching and people. She is humble, inquisitive, and has a strong thirst for new learning. Leigh is currently the Coach Development Manager for Netball New Zealand, as well as being a selector for the Silver Ferns. It was a delight yarning to Leigh on a range of topics including: 

• Her experience coaching the Silver Ferns.
• What she has learnt from coaching at the highest level and applications to youth coaching.
• "A rising tides, lifts all the boats" - The power of collaboration - both with coaches and players.
• Player-centered coaching approaches, including questioning and relational skills.
• Game-based coaching - drills might 'prove' stuff, where games will 'improve' stuff.
• Much more...