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Coach of the Year

2024 Community Winner - Natasha Tawhara, Netball

2024 Performace Winner - Giancarlo Italiano, Football

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Natasha Tawhara (1).jpg

Natasha "Tash" Tawhara had an outstanding year, earning the title of 2023 Netball Wellington Centre Coach of the Year. Her numerous coaching roles demonstrated her passion, adaptability, and exceptional time management. She led SMOG 1 to victory in the NWC Premier 1 final, assisted the Men’s Fast5 team in securing back-to-back wins against Australia, and took on head 

coaching roles for several national teams. Tash’s commitment to player development and continuous learning was evident as she balanced these responsibilities while furthering her coaching education through High-Performance Sport New Zealand’s Core Knowledge series.

Giancarlo Italiano (1).jpg

Giancarlo Italiano became the head coach of the Wellington Phoenix men’s team in April 2023, leading them to an extraordinary season despite low expectations. Under his guidance, the team topped the A-League table during the qualifying period and finished second overall. His achievements earned him the title of A-League Coach of the Year and Manager of the Year. Known as "Chief," 

 Italiano created a community-focused culture, openly discussing mental health and rallying Wellington’s support, culminating in record-breaking attendance, including a 33,298 crowd against Melbourne Victory.

This award recognises the achievements of two sports coaches, one at a community-based level and one at a performance-based level,  who have coached an individual athlete, sports team, club, or organisation. Achievements by nominees will only be considered if they have occurred during the qualifying period of 1 April 2023 to 1 April 2024.

 

  • This category is eligible to all age groups and gender identities

  • Only individual nominations will be accepted (no teams of coaches or co-coaches).

  • Volunteers/amateurs and paid staff/professionals are eligible

  • Nominees will not have coached provinces or clubs outside the Greater Wellington Region during the judging period, where there have been opportunities to coach provinces or clubs at the same level within the Greater Wellington Region

  • Performance level is considered to be a sport played at a competition level nationally or internationally

  • Community level is considered to be a sport played locally, regionally, competitively (as an amateur), or socially. It can be within a registered club or an unaffiliated sports group or team

  • Judges will also take into account involvement and commitment to the sport on and off the field. Any relevant examples of the nominee going above and beyond within their sport will be considered

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