From winning the U16 Nationals to International Coaching opportunity.

Not one to rest on her laurels, Coach Jeanna (Gee) Cooney, went straight from leading the TCBA U16 Girls to the ultimate success at U16 Nationals to travelling away as the Assistant Coach with a BBNZ Select Team to Taiwan.

Although still in Taiwan, Gee took some time to reflect and answer some Q&A.

How did it feel to wear the Silver Fern?
I was grateful and thankful to be given this opportunity to be a part of the NZ Women’s Select Team for the BLIA cup. It was an opportunity for me to grow and add more to my kete both as a coach and person, while getting to experience another country.

There was a sense of pride and joy to be in a High-Performance environment as an Assistant Coach. It was all new to me, so I came into this experience with an open mind, a can-do attitude and willingness to be vulnerable in this learning space. And of course, determination to contribute to this team with the skill set that I have.

Can you explain the Tour Preparation?
I met the Head Coach Ryan for the first time kanohi ki te kanohi on Friday night at the hotel and the athletes at the airport. We had three days to bring the athletes together and three hours on court together. An emphasis area that I undertook was the defensive framework our team was going to play; another area was creating a strong culture for this group of players based on a foundation of values created by them. Each game brought its own challenges, our ability to adapt to the humidity over this period was a challenge.

With only three hours on court preparation players were getting to know each other on the run, the experience has been humbling, valuable and character building.

Getting to know ten athletes, getting them to play and execute to the level that they did in such a short time frame against the fast-paced Asian style of play, they competed, they gave effort, and they enjoyed themselves both on and off the court.

What did you most enjoy about your trip away?
I enjoyed working with the management crew from both teams, and BBNZ. They were very supportive in this journey and the environment was fun, enjoyable and friendly.

A trip that was about developing skills that I wanted to acquire and an opportunity to learn off the Head Coach. Adding to my coaching kete included new terminology, Xs & Os, and a stepping stone into High Performance.

I enjoyed working with Ryan Dubbeldam, he is a very organised and high IQ coach who didn’t hesitant to share his knowledge about the game. Our Team Manager Kathrynn Jelas had everything super organised. Shannon Spicer the amazing Team Physio and her ability to connect with the athletes was on another level, she is such a beautiful human. And finally, BBNZ Mentor Lori Daniel provided me with great feedback and led with good questions to help extend my coaching knowledge and approach.

The cultural experience was one of the most enjoyable parts of the trip. Staying in the Fo Guang Buddhist Monastery and a visit to the Museum provided a day of connecting and understanding of the Buddhist way of life.

The humbling experience and a mantra of the BLIA cup, resonated through the whole experience in Taiwan:

Say good words
Think good thoughts
Do good deeds
Be the light!

Biggest moment(s) whilst away?
Being adaptable and flexible on this trip has been a skill set put to good use. We experienced a typhoon and earthquakes.

Getting to meet ten amazing young wāhine from around the motu and bringing them together to achieve a common goal of getting better.

Upskilling myself in other areas in my coaching, on court training with the team, walking into the stadium with the team for the first time in another country representing our country.

Experiencing the culture, kai, whenua and atmosphere that Taiwan has to offer. It has been a character building and humbling trip.

Way to continue to strive and lead the way forward Gee. Tauranga PROUD.