Each week Varsity Netball will introduce one of the eight talented coaches in the competition. We start off with Dorette Badenhorst, also known as Dot. She coached the NWU-Pukke to the title in last year’s competition.
The former member of the Noordheuwel High School in Krugersdorp has been involved in coaching for 28 years and at the helm of the Pukke since 2012. We wanted to know what makes her tick.
What position did you play in your playing days?
Goal Defence, but when I became older they said I am too short…then I moved to centre.
What made you decide to go into coaching?
I coached tennis with my dad from the age of 13. We also had holiday coaching clinics. I loved coaching and especially the beginners. In my last two years of school I had to choose between provincial tennis and netball and I chose to play netball. I started coaching netball in my first year of varsity. My dad was my inspiration to coach.
What coach has played the biggest role in your coaching career?
Elize Kotzé gave me lots of opportunities to work with her about ten years ago. I was also buddy coach for (former Proteas coach) Marlene Wagner from who I learnt a lot. One person who gave me an opportunity on provincial level was Louise du Plessis (another past Proteas coach between 2001 and 2003).
Working with Lyn Gunson, a New Zealander who coached England made a huge difference in my coaching. Getting the opportunity to work with former Australia coach Norma Plummer at the Proteas is a privilege and I believe this opportunity will help my netball coaching to excel to a new height.
Who was the very first team you coached?
The U12A and U13A teams of Auckland Park Primary School.
What’s your biggest accomplishment as the coach of the Pukke?
Winning the Varsity Netball tournament last year.
Who are the players that you have coached at the Pukke that have since become Proteas?
Elsunet du Plessis, Renske Stoltz, Kifiloe Tsotetsi, Nadia Uys and Sigi Burger.
Most memorable win in Varsity Netball until now?
The semi-final against Kovsies in Bloemfontein in 2015 (which the Pukke won by 56-48).
And what’s that one defeat that still gives you nightmares?
Losing at home (40-44) to the Kovsies in the final of 2013.
How do you try to stay up to date in terms of new netball strategies and coaching methods?
Learning from coaches like Norma Plummer and Nicole Cusack and attending clinics at World Cup tournaments and on the internet.
If you were asked to come up with one new innovation for Varsity Netball, what would that be?
To select a Varsity Team and to participate against the best university in the world.
