Simone McKinnis, a stalwart of the great game of netball, has delivered a tremendous hammer blow. She will resign as head coach of the Melbourne Vixens at the conclusion of the season. This announcement comes on the heels of her extraordinary accomplishment of coaching her 200th match in Australia’s national netball league. She celebrated this milestone during round five! After 13 seasons with the organization as a player and coach, McKinnis declared that she was stepping away. This decision brings a close to this chapter of the Vixens.
McKinnis has poured her heart and soul into the Melbourne Vixens, guiding one of Australia’s most forward-thinking teams through peaks and valleys of every sort. She’s been a huge part of their success, taking them to three grand final appearances as well as an A-league championship in 2020. Until the end, her leadership style featured a fierce demand for excellence, balanced with an abiding care for her players’ well-being.
Her impending departure has the teams players and staff alike emotional at the announcement. In the days leading up to the game, McKinnis told her team about the decision. That reality produced tears and an outpouring of emotion upon hearing the news from her players.
A Legacy of Excellence
Over the course of her administration, McKinnis developed a reputation for producing a very clinical, high-reaching standard team. Under her watchful eye, the Vixens earned the dignity and renown deserved within the sport. Together, they created one of the most competitive environments in Australian netball history.
McKinnis reminisced on her 13-year career with the Vixens. She announced, “I just feel like it’s the time for me to move on.” Her choice, revealed through her own deliberation, underlined that she wanted to exit on her own terms. As she prepares to conclude her role, McKinnis aims to ensure that the remainder of the season is memorable for both herself and her players.
She has served notice that her attention now turns to making the most out of the very promising season we’re in. As she explained, “My task at hand is to turn the rest of the season into something beautiful.” She’s particularly committed to making it the best it can be. This dedication speaks volumes about her commitment towards the team till her last game.
Emotional Farewell
The emotional weight behind this decision hits all of my teammates hard in the feels. Prior to it being made public, players were notified privately. This led to an outpouring of tears and remembrances as they thought about their favorite times with their dearly departed coach. That bond developed over years of shared experiences has created memories that will be truly hard to replace.
McKinnis’s humorous side emerged following her announcement, suggesting a sense of relief as she prepares for new challenges ahead. To be frank, I’m not much into press releases—I would have preferred to keep this all internal,” she admitted. This tongue in cheek recognition of her own greatness underscores Williams’ authentic relationship to the players, but to tennis as a whole.
As she prepares for the future, McKinnis said she hasn’t spent much time thinking about life after coaching. Related Articles “I have no idea [where I’ll go next],” she continued. So I guess the answer is that I haven’t even thought about it. As soon as I have a break, I’ll be free at last from the Monday to Friday commute between Geelong and Melbourne.
Future Prospects for the Team
With McKinnis’s departure known to be later in this season, questions concern what lies ahead for the Melbourne Vixens. The team’s ownership will soon be put to the test. They now need to find the right person to replace him who can meet the gold standard he established himself.
Netball Victoria reiterated that they are looking forward to progressing with the plan to recruit. The organization aims to find a candidate who can maintain the competitive spirit and excellence that have defined the Vixens under McKinnis’s leadership.
As McKinnis prepares for her final games with the team, she remains focused on inspiring her players as they strive to achieve their goals this season. Her legacy remains deeply embedded within the rich tapestry that is Australian netball. While she moves on from coaching, her impact will certainly be felt in the Melbourne Vixens for years to come.
