Michelle Parsons is leaving the Comets and Stars netball for a role with Fiji PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Comets head coach Michelle Parsons will leave her role ahead of the upcoming National Netball League season to take up an opportunity with Netball Fiji as the new coach of the Fiji Pearls.
Parsons has been involved with both the Northern Comets and Stars since 2017 in various coaching roles and helped guide the Comets to their first NNL title in 2024.
While leaving the Comets is bittersweet for Parsons, she’s excited for her new opportunity.
“it’s one of those rare opportunities where you have the chance to lead a national program and I know I feel ready because of the strong foundation, the championship culture and the support that we’ve had throughout our franchise.” Parsons said.
“I feel fortunate that the Comets and Stars are based in South Auckland with the strong Maori and Pasifika communities which has given me the chance to feel confident in that environment and ahead of moving to Fiji.”
Stars General Manager Jane Bennett is grateful for the commitment Parsons has given to the organisation for the past nine years.
Michy has been instrumental in the development of South & East Auckland netball talent. I’ve never doubted Michy’s passion for player development and the impact she has made within the wider organisation is very real.” Bennett said.
“We are sad to see Michy go, but very excited she has this opportunity and it’s great to see South Auckland talent transferring to the world. I have no doubt she will deliver great things for Fiji Netball and I look forward to following her success.”
Fiji have endured some tough on-court results recently – they’re ranked 18th in the world and missed out on qualifying for the upcoming Commonwealth Games.
Parsons has had a large amount of success in developing players throughout the NNL and says this has given her a strong base to help guide Fiji back up the world rankings.
“There are roughly 16 players who have been at the Comets that have gone on to play in the ANZ Premiership and four of them are in the Stars as contracted players this year.” Parsons explained.
“I feel really fortunate to be part of a program that has looked at development and growth pathways and I can take that to Fiji to grow what they have and develop it to make the World Cup next year and look to increase our world ranking.”
Parsons has a message for whoever may fill her role for the upcoming NNL campaign.
“Know you are working with a group of people who love who they represent and the fact their families are from this community as well. Really pour yourself into that aspect. We have been so focused on having amazing people come out of this program who also happen to be fantastic netball players. Bring your genuine self and add your value to the environment and then you’ll see the playing performance come from the genuine engagement and care you bring the players.” Parsons voiced.
And as for what have been the parts of her Comets journey Parsons has valued most?
“I look at where we are now since that first team in 2017 and the number of players that have added such value to the environment and program. I feel really honoured and grateful. One thing I hope I can replicate in Fiji is the team environment and the culture of safety and respect and adding value.” Parsons reflected.
“If you walk into a Comets environment, I always hoped you could see there was genuine enjoyment and love of what they were doing. You would hear the laughter, hard work and accountability, but also the safe space the players create is what I’ll take with me.”
One unique aspect of Parsons’ coaching methods is always going to stay with her, whether she’s in Takanini or Suva.
“I will continue to play my 70s and 80s music, because there is nothing like that vibe at training and the girls will mock me for it, but my DJ skills will still be in use over in Fiji!”