7 Apr 2021Northern Districts (ND) can today announce that their elite women’s cricket team, the SkyCity Hamilton Northern Spirit, have successfully managed to retain Australian Jo Broadbent as Head Coach of the Women’s Programme for the next two seasons.
Broadbent has been instrumental to the success of the Spirit for the previous two summers. Initially brought in as the Assistant Coach alongside Head Coach Kari Carswell for the 2019/20 season, Broadbent helped guide the Spirit to the Grand Final of the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield (the premier domestic women’s one-day competition in New Zealand), for the first time in the history of the competition.
Following the success of the 2019/20 season, Broadbent was announced as Head Coach for the 2020/21 season, supported by former BLACKCAP Rob Nicol as Assistant Coach.
ND CEO Ben MacCormack acknowledges the calibre of ND’s coaching team has had a hugely positive influence on the environment, on and off the field.
“We have been delighted with the quality that the current coaching team bring. They have such a wide range of coaching experience and are diverse in their thinking. Jo brings world-class experience to the role and we know she will continue to leave no stone unturned; she is always striving to be better.” MacCormack said.
Having strengthened the foundations for the Spirit, Broadbent has her own impressive legacy in the sport, representing Australia in 10 Test Matches between 1990 and 1998, 60 One Day Internationals and receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours for service to cricket.
Broadbent said she was honoured to have the opportunity to continue the momentum she has had with the Spirit and calls out the ND culture and environment as a key reason for her decision to stay on, despite uncertainties around her ability to travel to and from her home in Australia, where she will spend some time during the off-season.
“We have such an incredible blend of young talented players as well as experienced leaders who are all growing their game. It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to work with NZC, Northern Districts and our players to develop WHITE FERNS for now and the future.” Broadbent said.
“I genuinely feel like I have two families across Australia and New Zealand and I’m very grateful for this wonderful opportunity to work in New Zealand and spend time in Australia during the off season.” Broadbent continued.
MacCormack said he is extremely grateful for Broadbent’s willingness to continue leading the Women’s Programme despite the challenging global environment.
“Jo’s impact has been profound and her influence on this team has been tremendous.” MacCormack said.
“She continues to lift the skill level, professionalism and culture within the team, and has achieved notable success during her short tenure. We are thrilled Jo feels like ND is her home away from home.” MacCormack continued.
Broadbent has intimate knowledge of the domestic and international game – having previously coached at the Sydney Thunder and NSW Breakers, with recent experience last summer in the WHITE FERNS camp.
Having transitioned into off-season training with the Spirit, Jo has also kept busy in the Spark Sport commentary booth, calling the WHITE FERNS series against Australia, where two of Broadbent’s players have recently earned the fern. Spirit captain Brooke Halliday continues to shine after debuting in the England series, while power-hitter Kate Anderson has recently been called in for the Australian series.
