This month I am delighted to welcome Jodie to our blog. Jodie has been a central part of RNC for many many years as a player, a mum of 2 players and now a coach of Little R’s. Learn more about Jodie’s journey and her love for Roundwood.
How long have you been with RNC as a coach?
I have been coaching the Little R’s for the past 2 years.
What is your favourite part of the club and being a coach?
My favourite part of the club is how inclusive it is. The club offers something for everyone. There is competition, socialising and most importantly a whole lot of FUN. I have made friends for life.
Now I am retired from playing, it has been great to have the opportunity to turn my attention to coaching. Teaching youngsters is my passion and I absolutely love teaching the Little R’s. They are always so positive and smiley and they love to learn. It is great watching them progress their skills.
What made you join RNC?
Sara Palmer. I joined Sara and the team on a Roundwood Tour and I was hooked. The girls made me feel so welcome and I have never looked back.
Give us some background on your netball life so far including your RNC coaching life?
My mum played netball and this is how I got into the game, playing in her club. I did not stay at Mum’s club for long before moving onto another club where I stayed for many years, being coached and playing in the adult leagues. I bumped into Sara who I have known for many years and got chatting about her club. It sounded so great! A player had dropped out on a tour place and she offered it to me. It was the best weekend!! I have been at RNC ever since. I have played in the ‘A’ team as a centre court position for many years. The team has worked hard to progress over the years from the Croydon/Met leagues to county level and now to Regionals.
Now retired, I thoroughly enjoy still being a part of the club and coaching the Little R’s.
What do you do beyond Netball?
I work part-time as a PE teacher in a prep school. Beyond work, I spend a lot of my time with my family. I enjoy an active life and even more so now we have recently welcomed our dog, Alfie, to our home. He is an absolute joy and we are all enjoying getting to know him and taking him out on long walks. My next fitness target is to achieve running a half marathon (hopefully this spring) and then the marathon one day!
What would you say to encourage others to join any sports club?
I would say, sign up and go for it. Sport gives you so much. An active lifestyle keeps you healthy and you can make wonderful friendships from it. It also gives you confidence and makes you resilient.
What is your biggest RNC achievement?
This has to be playing with my team mates at the regional play-offs in front of all our family and friends. We played our hearts out that day. We showed some much determination and we all wanted to make the jump from county to regional level netball. We fulfilled that dream and having the opportunity to play regional level netball with such fantastic team mates (and friends) is definitely my highlight. This of course, would not have happened without the hours of training and being coached over the years by Sara and Cara.
What is your favourite part of RNC?
The coaches and players make RNC. Working together to inspire and support each other is how we continue to move forward and thrive as a club. My daughters and I would not want to be anywhere else. It is an absolute pleasure to be part of RNC. Go team purple!!!!