Danielle Jones is blazing a trail as a hockey coach.  In a sport where the coaching scene is dominated by men, Danielle is bucking the trend by taking the reins of the Men’s Premier team at Western Districts Hockey Club WDHC.  Danielle brings a fine pedigree to her role.  A defender who won 26 caps in the NZ women’s Black Sticks, her playing ability is unquestionable. However, since injury curtailed her international career, Danielle has thrown herself into coaching and administrative roles at WDHC, a club in which she and her family have deep roots.

Danielle stepped up to take the Men’s Premier Coach role at short notice and without the benefit of a pre-season to build her team.  Although Danielle had some concerns about how she would be received, she felt well-supported by the club. “Western has always been a club based on the idea that if you are good enough then you will get the opportunities you deserve.” 

WDHC President Cameron Curry had no hesitation in selecting Danielle for the men’s coaching role. “Having been an integral part of our academy since its inception, Danielle was always at the top of our list as a future premier team coach.”

Danielle’s coaching has been extremely well received by the players.  “From day one they were very open to me coaching them, and have been supportive of the fact that I’m juggling coaching, playing and work commitments.”  WDHC also made a substantial effort, negotiating scheduling of games with Auckland hockey to enable Danielle to fill both her coaching and playing roles. Cameron Curry says that Danielle’s style has suited the players very well.

Danielle describes team communications as open and honest – she has expected no special treatment as a female coach.  She says she has made no significant changes to her coaching style since taking on the men’s team job.  “There is still drama, challenges and issues. You’re still just working with your team to achieve the goals that they have set.”

Danielle says she enjoys the honesty and the passion of the men’s team.  “The men's game is a lot more tactical, so I enjoy trying to work out what other teams are trying to achieve against us and using our structure to combat theirs.”

Both Danielle and Cameron would love to see more women coaches in the game, especially at senior level.  For Danielle, coaching is very rewarding.  “Coaching to me is just about giving back - seeing people learn and improve is the best part.  I still feel I have a lot to give in our women's side of the club and I know how important it is for me to play and offer my knowledge to our up and coming players.” 

Danielle has some words of wisdom for other women coaches: “Don't be afraid to take on a challenge, people will definitely surprise you. Taking on the men this year has been one of the things I am most proud of in my coaching career but the opportunity only came from me backing myself and knowing I was good enough to coach them.” 

On top of coaching and playing, Danielle is taking a leadership role as a member of the club’s executive committee, ensuring that the women’s game is always on the agenda and getting the support it needs. She is undoubtedly a superb role model for women’s involvement in club sport – she is having a great impact.

Rehe ake nei, Danielle!

Article added: Friday 09 August 2019