Rotorua’s Carol Holt is a treasure. She’s felt all the emotions alongside her players in the 35 years she has been courtside. And, she is immensely proud of the many, many players who are now ‘wonderful women with their own beautiful families’.
“One of my biggest thrills is seeing the courts full of girls I’ve coached in the past. There are tough moments as a coach - perhaps different personalities or personal struggles over the years. But then they come back, we share adult conversations and hugs, and it all makes sense. It’s incredibly rewarding to see who they have become and to know that I’ve played a little part in their journey,” says Carol.
Her approach to coaching has evolved over the years. Initially driven by competitive success, she now also emphasises the importance of personal growth and balance.
“I wish there were games where points didn’t matter. The measure of any sport shouldn’t just be about who won or lost. It’s about the personal growth and enjoyment players get from the experiences,” says Carol.
Carol remains as passionate as ever, balancing her role as Rotorua Girls High School’s (RGHS) Sports Co-ordinator with multiple coaching commitments. It’s about 20 hours of coaching a week…most weeks probably much more.
This season she is coaching the RGHS Prem 1 and Junior Prem teams, as well as leading the school’s Netball Academy and coaching the Rotorua Men’s Open Team. Plus, the Rotorua U18 Team that traveled to Dunedin in July and the Waiariki Maori U17s, which she notes as a highlight in her coaching journey.
“Seeing these girls gain high honours as a Maori is the most rewarding feeling being a Maori coach myself.”
Carol has enjoyed leading the Netball Academy at the school which integrates theoretical and practical learning, offering NCEA credits for Year 10 students.
“I teach a lot of general well-being, using the NetballSmart resources, teaching them about good balance between life, social and school. I really believe in my heart that it’s not all about just playing netball – if you have that approach, it will often trip you up – balance is important, because these girls have so much going on in their lives.”
Carol has loved coaching the Rotorua Men’s Open Team and feels men’s netball is an area that has traditionally been under-represented in the sport. Her team’s victory last year in the B-Grade Open Final and upcoming move to A-Grade in this year's Netball New Zealand’s Open Champs is exciting.
“Coaching the men is so refreshing. They are eager to learn and deeply appreciative of the coaching they receive. It’s been a long time coming, but it’s wonderful to see netball embracing the men’s game.”
Carol believes her coaching style has changed with her personality over the years.
“In the last 10 years, I have just coached as me, because being me is easy! Some people want to mirror other people’s coaching styles - but I have learned a lot through watching - I have put lots of different coaching techniques into my kete, but now I just pull out what is me,” says Carol.
“One thing I’ve realised is I like to stand up courtside with my players during a game. Being quiet doesn’t suit my style – it’s too contained for me. I want them to know I’m right there with them, actively involved in the game and supporting them.”
Another realisation has been that unlike the old days where you just ‘did as the coach said, no questions asked’ she is now focusing on empowering players to make decisions and voice their opinions.
“Everything has evolved and the players have to have a say, they have to be empowered to make decisions, whether they’re right or wrong. I am still learning to let the players run themselves on the court. And to create that safe environment where players feel free to ask the questions, so they understand everything.”
However, she expresses concern about the current generation’s reluctance to persevere, particularly for those not in top teams.
“I worry about this generation, if they aren’t in the best teams, it’s so easy to give up. They are worried about what people might think if they aren’t the best. We all need to work hard to keep these players engaged and active because every player deserves the opportunity to participate and develop where possible or to just have fun in a team.”
On reflection, Carol is so grateful for everything the game has given her.
“Sport has given me lifelong friends. Having two children involved in sport and seeing them now giving back to her grandchildren, as coaches themselves makes it so worthwhile.
“Coaching has tested my character and often questioned my values - losses push me to reset and start again, but my successes have taken me to some great places in my journey of coaching.”
To use the NetballSmart resources in your coaching, visit the NetballSmart resources page