Liz Hanna has been selected in High Performance Sport New Zealand’s Te Hāpaitanga scholarship programme. Photo by Julie Maree Photography.
Credit: volleyballnz.org.nz
Volleyball New Zealand’s newly appointed NZ U-19 Beach coach Liz Hanna has been awarded a position in High Performance Sport New Zealand’s Te Hāpaitanga scholarship programme.
One of 10 candidates chosen from 29 applications, Hanna is part of the 18-month Women in High-Performance coach development programme. It is the first time volleyball has been represented in the programme.
Designed to grow the talent pool of emerging and future women High-Performance coaches, Te Hāpaitanga targets aspiring coaches who are currently coaching at a pre-Performance level with aims to coach High Performance.
This opportunity gives Hanna access to Individual needs analysis coaching 360, access to the WHIPS network, professional practice residentials, guided observations and feedback by HPSNZ mentors.
Hanna says the scholarship allows her to observe High-Performance environments such as the Beach Pro Tour Futures event which will provide insight into tactics, player relationships, team dynamics and review.
“Observing HP coaching specific to beach in real time is priceless. Having the ability to follow up with the coaches afterwards will add a lot of value,” Hanna said.
“Initially I plan to use the funds to relieve financial pressures and time around planning and coaching the upcoming Asian Championship campaign. Then I will be looking long term to continue opportunities to work alongside a variety of High-Performance coaches.”
Led by Jody Cameron, the process which selected the candidates for the programme is interested in the make-up of the support network from the National Sports Organisation for the applicant.
“Applications clearly reflect strong team support from within NSO’s and a real belief in the importance of women coach development to create sustainable progress in this critical area,” Cameron said.
Hanna is also a member of the new C.O.D-E F women’s coach development programme led by Kim Smith. She has sought mentorship from Mark Temeer, both of whom recently accepted the opportunity to shadow Jason Lochhead at the recent G.J. Gardner Homse NZ Beach Tour presented by Tip Top.
Smith reflects on Hanna’s journey in coaching, particularly her approach.
“Liz is currently interested in lifting performance through developing the ‘want to compete’. She is looking to design training in a way that supports the build of competitive gritty athletes all whilst developing a strong squad culture – this being extremely important when everyone is spread across Aotearoa.
“Liz demonstrates a growth mindset and is open to feedback from athletes and coaches around her. With this mindset, Liz will make the absolute most out of this next 18 months.”
Colleen Campbell Volleyball New Zealand’s Performance Manager said:
“The opportunity that Liz will have to learn alongside Jason Lochhead and Craig Seuseu, who are both experienced Olympic coaches, is exciting and one that she recognises is an important part of her coach development.”
For the HPSNZ announcement for Te Hāpaitanga – click here.
Bio – Liz Hanna
Born: California
Resides: Christchurch
Job: Senior Maritime Officer
College: University North Carolina Wilmington and California State University Monterey Bay
Liz draws on her experience as a college athlete and coach (UMB) and in being part of the coaching team to build the Canterbury Beach programme over the last four years. Liz plays and captains the Pioneer women’s side while also coaching the women’s B team.
Liz has played in the National Volleyball League, is a regular feature in the G.J. Gardner Homes NZ Beach Tour presented by Tip Top and was recently appointed as NZ U-19 Women’s Beach co-coach with Claire Stewart.
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